"Bauchi Stakeholders Advocate for Constitutional Roles for Traditional Rulers, New State"

By Khalid Idris Doya 

Some stakeholders in Bauchi State have called on the National Assembly to assign constitutional roles to traditional rulers, create additional local government areas, and consider the creation of a new state from Bauchi in the forthcoming constitutional amendment. This demand was made during a one-day town hall summit organized by Senator Shehu Buba Umar, representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, in collaboration with the All Progressives Congress (APC) Bauchi South Zonal Executive Committee.

The summit, aimed at fostering inclusive dialogue on the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution, brought together a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including government officials, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, legal experts, youth and women groups, artisans, trade unions, political actors, and members of the general public.

Hon. Abdulmumini Mohammed Kundak, Chairman of the Zonal Executive Committee for the Constitution Review, said the summit was a platform to gather meaningful input and form a unified position that reflects the aspirations and diversity of the Nigerian people. "The outcomes would be presented at the zonal public hearing organized by the National Assembly in Maiduguri, Borno State," he emphasized.

The stakeholders resolved to establish a committee responsible for collecting, reviewing, and harmonizing all submissions from interested communities. The goal is to eliminate duplications, contradictions, and overlapping interests to ensure a coherent regional position. Barr. Ibrahim Yakubu Umar, appointed chairman of the newly inaugurated committee, assured stakeholders of swift action, transparent coordination, and inclusive consultations.

"We are committed to transparency, fairness, and inclusive consultation," Barr. Umar said. "No voice will be left unheard in this process." The initiative marks a critical step toward ensuring that the voices of Bauchi South constituents are well-represented in the ongoing constitutional review process.

The stakeholders' demands include :

- Constitutional Roles for Traditional Rulers: Assigning constitutional roles to traditional rulers to enhance their effectiveness in maintaining peace and stability.

- Creation of Additional Local Government Areas: Establishing more LGAs to improve representation, bring governance closer to the people, and enhance public service delivery.

- Creation of a New State: Considering the creation of a new state from Bauchi to address issues of marginalization and promote inclusivity.