Stakeholders from Ningi Emirate in Bauchi State have raised concerns about potential communal tensions following the state government’s plan to merge old Ningi settlements with Kudu/Yamma communities to form the proposed Ari Chiefdom/Emirate.
In a detailed seven-page petition addressed to the Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Abubakar Suleiman, community leaders cautioned against altering the historic boundaries of Ningi Emirate, warning that such changes could disrupt centuries-old traditions and social cohesion.
The Bauchi State Government’s High-Powered Committee on the Creation of Chiefdoms and Emirates, led by Hamza Koshe Akuyam, recommended the establishment of 13 new emirates, two chiefdoms, and 111 districts. This report has since been forwarded to the State Assembly for approval.
The petition titled, “Objection on the Proposal for the Inclusion of Old Ningi and Kudu/Yamma Village Areas in the Proposed Ari Chiefdom/Emirate Out of Ningi Emirate Council, Bauchi State,” alleges that the proposed reorganization distorts the historical and cultural identity of Ningi Emirate.
Ningi Emirate dates back to the 19th Century and is rooted in a shared culture and tradition,” the petition reads. “Separating Old Ningi and Kudu/Yamma communities will dilute our history, disrupt continuity, and weaken the cultural bonds that have united us for over two centuries.”
The petition also highlights the political implications of the move, asserting that reducing the geographical scope of Ningi Emirate would undermine the Emir’s authority and the emirate’s political significance in Bauchi State.
Community leaders further warned that the change could spark communal tension between supporters of the old and new traditional structures, potentially leading to rivalry and conflict.
“Determining jurisdictional boundaries will be complicated due to the shared culture, religion, and geography of these communities, which could lead to conflicts of loyalty and authority,” the petition states.
The stakeholders expressed concern over growing mistrust and appeals for justice and fairness among ethnic groups, accusing proponents of the Ari Chiefdom of failing to engage affected communities in their agitation.
While not opposing the creation of the Ari Chiefdom outright, the petitioners emphasized that government decisions must be fair, objective, and inclusive.
“We believe carving out Old Ningi and Kudu/Yamma will cause more harm than good,” the petition concludes. “We urge the Speaker and Assembly to review and restructure the proposed boundaries in the interest of peace, unity, and security.”
The matter now awaits further legislative consideration by the Bauchi State House of Assembly.
