Emotion as Chiroma Breaks Down During Swearing-In as Zaki LGA Chairman After Predecessor’s Death

From Paul Orude Bauchi

The Bauchi State Government has sworn in Ibrahim Chiroma, the former Deputy Chairman of Zaki Local Government Area, as the new Executive Chairman following the death of his principal, Mallam Masud Aliyu Umar, in a fatal road accident on Sunday night, November 1, 2026.

Chiroma became emotional and broke down in tears during the administration of the oath of office as he remembered his former principal, whose death created the vacancy he has now assumed.

The swearing-in ceremony was conducted on Friday night by the Chief Judge of Bauchi State, Justice Rabi Talatu Umar, who was represented by Justice Sa’ad Muhammad Sambo.

Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed who was represented at the ceremony by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Auwal Jatau, congratulated Chiroma on his assumption of office and urged him to justify the confidence reposed in him through dedicated service, loyalty and commitment to the people.

In his remarks, Jatau expressed sadness over the death of Umar, whom he described as a great, loyal and committed team player who contributed to the progress of their political team and the Allied People’s Movement (APM).

He said the death of the former chairman was a painful reminder of the uncertainty of life, adding that those gathered at the ceremony would eventually part ways through death.

“It is natural that we meet to depart and depart to meet, until we depart to meet no more. This is consequent upon the death of one of us, a great, loyal and team player who had helped us move our political team forward. May his soul rest in perfect peace,” he said.

The deputy governor charged the new chairman to make the security of lives and property a priority, stressing that his responsibility extended beyond Zaki Local Government Area to the entire Bauchi State.

He also urged Chiroma to sustain his loyalty, maintain cordial relationships with his political superiors and the people he would govern, and work harmoniously with other members of the political team.

According to him, the new chairman’s conduct and relationship with those around him would have a significant influence on his future political journey.

“What you are today is a result of what you were yesterday, while what you shall become tomorrow largely depends on how you behave and relate with your superiors as well as those you govern,” Jatau said.

He further urged Chiroma to work collectively towards the success of the party at all levels, including elections into the State House of Assembly, National Assembly, governorship and presidential offices.

The deputy governor prayed for Allah’s mercy, guidance and protection upon the new chairman, wishing him success in the discharge of his responsibilities.

The ceremony also witnessed an emotional moment when Chiroma struggled to contain his tears while taking the oath of office, apparently reflecting the circumstances surrounding his emergence and the loss of his former principal.

Towards the end of the remarks, Jatau acknowledged the unusual circumstances surrounding the ceremony and requested that prayers be offered for the deceased and those affected by his passing.