By Our Reporter The Adamawa State House of Assembly has passed a bill to create additional emirates with first-class emirs in the state. ...
By Our Reporter
The Adamawa State House of Assembly has passed a bill to create additional emirates with first-class emirs in the state. This development follows the recent approval of the state’s District Creation Law 2024, which established 83 new districts on December 4.
The newly passed emirate law, which awaits Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s assent, grants the governor authority to create more emirates and to appoint or depose traditional rulers. The bill, titled Adamawa State Chiefs (Appointment and Deposition) Law, underwent an accelerated legislative process.
On Monday, the governor sent the proposed law to the Assembly, requesting its speedy passage. The bill passed first and second readings after motions by Deputy Majority Leader Ahmed Rufai (Maiha LGA), Moses Zah (Michika LGA), and Bauna Myandassa (Lamurde LGA).
The Speaker, Bathiya Wesley, referred the bill to the House Committee on Local Government Affairs for further action, directing the committee, chaired by Kefas Calvin, to present its report the next day. The committee’s deputy was Godfrey Bulus, with Grace Kurkuwa serving as the clerk.
On Tuesday, the lawmakers passed the bill into law, paving the way for the governor to announce the creation of the new emirates once he provides assent.
The law introduces significant changes to traditional leadership in Adamawa State, including stripping the Lamido of Adamawa, Mustapha Barkindo, of his title as permanent chairman of the Adamawa Council of Chiefs. Instead, the chairmanship will now rotate annually among all first-class emirs and chiefs.
Lawmakers said this rotational system promotes fairness, equity, and inclusive representation in traditional leadership.
Governor Fintiri highlighted the importance of the district creation law, describing it as a means to enhance governance and address security challenges at the grassroots level. However, the law significantly diminishes the influence of the Lamido of Adamawa by reducing the number of local government areas under his control from eight to three.
Previously, the Adamawa Emirate covered Hong, Song, Gombi, Fufore, Girei, Yola North, Yola South, and Mayo-Belwa. Under the new law, it now comprises only Girei, Jimeta, and Yola.
Similarly, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who holds the title of Waziri and serves as a senior kingmaker within the Adamawa Emirate, will now have emirate authority only within the three remaining areas of Girei, Jimeta, and Yola.
The influence of the Emir of Mubi, Abubakar Isa-Ahmadu, has also been curtailed. His jurisdiction, which previously included Michika, Madagali, Mubi North, Mubi South, and Maiha, has been reduced under the new district creation law.
The move to restructure traditional leadership in Adamawa is seen as a significant shift in the balance of power within the state’s emirates, aimed at fostering equity and improving governance.
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