Open Letter to His Excellency, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, Executive Governor of Bauchi State
May peace and Allah's mercy be upon you, Your Excellency.
I write to express my opposition to the proposal to create new emirates, chiefdoms, and districts in Bauchi State, as invited by the public call for memoranda issued by the Bauchi State Government on June 9, 2025. Specifically, I am concerned about the potential fragmentation or diminishment of the historic Bauchi Emirate.
The Bauchi Emirate is a revered traditional institution in Nigeria, built on the legacy of Islamic governance, justice, and unity under the leadership of Malam Yakubu, a close commander of Shaykh Uthman Dan Fodio. Dividing this emirate would be a reversal of that legacy and an erasure of heritage carefully preserved for over two centuries.
Islam emphasizes the importance of unity and avoiding division. The Quran states, "And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided" (Aal-'Imran, 3:103). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also warned against division, saying, "Whoever separates from the community by even a hand span dies the death of ignorance" (Sahih Muslim, 1851).
Creating new emirates may seem appealing, but it carries significant economic and social costs, including:
- Procurement of official vehicles and maintenance of ceremonial convoys
- Construction of new palaces and administrative offices
- Payment of salaries, allowances, and entitlements for new emirs and staff
- Expansion of bureaucracy
These resources would be better spent on:
- Upgrading hospitals and rural health clinics
- Revitalizing public schools and ensuring affordable, quality education
- Job creation and youth empowerment
- Expanding farming and agricultural development programs
- Addressing housing challenges across the state
Bauchi State is facing rising security challenges, including a recent violent raid in Kofar Dumi. The proposal to create the Sayawa Chiefdom and site its headquarters in Tafawa Balewa is concerning, given the region's history of volatility and ethno-religious flashpoints.
I urge Your Excellency to prioritize inclusive consultation with stakeholders, including public hearings, consultation with traditional rulers, religious scholars, historians, and community leaders, and open dialogue with civil society and the general public.
The recent Kano Emirate crisis highlights the importance of careful consideration and broad-based stakeholder engagement. Let us preserve the unity of the Bauchi Emirate and focus on developmental efforts that benefit the people.
In conclusion, I respectfully urge Your Excellency to:
- Preserve the unity and structure of the Bauchi Emirate
- Prioritize inclusive consultation with stakeholders
- Focus on developmental efforts that benefit the people
May Allah guide Your Excellency and your government with wisdom, justice, and sincerity.
Yours faithfully,
Abbas Tukur Ahmed Esq.
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