Bauchi fulani community rejects proposed new emirates, chiefdoms

The Fulani community in Bauchi State, under the umbrella of Daddo Pulāku and other affiliated Fulani associations, has firmly opposed the state government’s move to create new Emirates, Chiefdoms and Districts.

Their position was made public during a press conference held on Thursday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Bauchi. The communiqué was presented by former member of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Mohammed Aminu Tukur.

According to the statement, while the Fulani community acknowledges the constitutional rights of all groups to seek traditional representation, it expressed concern that the current push for new traditional structures is being driven more by ethnic considerations than historical or administrative necessity.

“As law-abiding citizens and stakeholders in the peace and development of Bauchi State, we categorically state that the Fulani people do not wish to be placed under any newly created Emirate or Chiefdom outside the six historically recognized Emirates,” the group declared.

They reiterated their loyalty to the six existing Emirates, Bauchi, Katagum, Misau, Ningi, Jama’are, and Dass, describing them as symbols of historical continuity and peaceful coexistence.

“Our allegiance remains with the traditional institutions under which we have coexisted in dignity and harmony for generations. Any attempt to impose new structures on us without consultation undermines our constitutional right to free association and risks creating avoidable tensions,” the statement added.

The group warned against repeating the mistakes of other states like Plateau, Kaduna, and Taraba, where similar restructuring of traditional institutions along ethnic lines has reportedly led to deep divisions and intercommunal conflicts.

They argued that the Fulani community is not on the fringes of Bauchi society but rather an integral part of the state’s fabric, comprising farmers, herders, traders, civil servants, security personnel, scholars, and traditional leaders.

“Our economic contributions—particularly in livestock, agriculture, and trade—are vital to Bauchi’s economy. We have consistently supported peace building initiatives, vaccination campaigns, educational outreach, and democratic participation. We are not secessionists; we are stakeholders.”

The group also urged the government to prioritize development over expansion of traditional structures, calling for greater investment in rural education, maternal and child healthcare, livelihood support, agricultural extension services, and road infrastructure.

“The creation of new Chiefdoms or Emirates, especially without broad consultation, should not override the pressing needs of rural communities that lack basic services.”

Concluding, the Fulani community expressed respect and loyalty to the state government, while presenting their concerns as a unified and consultative position derived from elders, youth, scholars, and leaders across all 20 LGAs.

“Our communiqué reflects the collective voice of the Fulani (Fulbe) people of Bauchi State, issued in the spirit of peace, justice, unity, and fidelity to the values of our constitution,” the group stated.

Bauchi fulani community rejects proposed new emirates, chiefdoms