Daddo Pulāku Opposes New Chiefdom, Reaffirms Loyalty To Existing Emirates

From Paul Orude, Bauchi

The Fulani (Fulbe) community in Bauchi State, under the unified platform of Daddo Pulāku, has urged the administration of Governor Bala Mohammed not to politicise traditional institutions in the state.

This position was articulated in a formal memorandum made available to journalists in Bauchi presented by Muhammad Aminu Tukur, a former lawmaker, on behalf of the Fulani community. 

The memo expressed strong reservations over the state government’s plan to create additional Chiefdoms and Emirates.

Tukur explained that the submission was the outcome of wide-ranging consultations involving Fulani elders, traditional titleholders, women, youth, scholars, professionals, and community leaders across all 20 Local Government Areas of the state. He noted that it was made “in the spirit of dialogue, peace, unity, and fidelity to the constitutional values of justice and inclusivity.”

The Fulani community warned against following the footsteps of other states where similar actions have led to dire consequences.

“We respectfully draw attention to unfortunate precedents in states such as Plateau, Kaduna, and Taraba, where the politicisation and ethnicisation of traditional institutions have led to deep societal divisions, intercommunal clashes, and long-lasting grievances,” the paper stated. “We must collectively guard against a similar trajectory in Bauchi—a state known for its relative peace and coexistence.”

The community reaffirmed its respect and loyalty to the six existing Emirates in the state—Bauchi, Katagum, Misau, Ningi, Jama’are, and Dass—describing them as enduring symbols of historical continuity and cultural harmony.

“These institutions have played an instrumental role in preserving societal cohesion and have served as stabilizing forces across diverse ethnic and religious groups,” the paper argued. “The Fulani community has been an integral part of these institutions since their inception, contributing through loyalty, leadership, and stewardship.”

While acknowledging the constitutional rights of other communities to seek traditional representation, the Fulani community expressed concern that the proposal for new Emirates and Chiefdoms appears to be driven more by ethnic sentiments than historical relevance or administrative need.

“As law-abiding citizens and stakeholders in the peace and development of Bauchi State, we categorically state that the Fulani of Bauchi State do not wish to be subjected to any newly created Emirate or Chiefdom outside of the six existing Emirates,” the memo asserted.

“Our allegiance remains with the historic traditional institutions under which we have long coexisted in dignity and harmony,” it added. “We believe this position is both a constitutional right and a cultural imperative. Subjecting us to newly carved structures without our consent undermines the principle of free association, disrupts longstanding communal relationships, and could lead to avoidable tension.”