Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed has inaugurated a 41-member committee to assess requests for the creation of new emirates, chiefdoms, and districts across the state.

Speaking at the inauguration held at Government House, Governor Mohammed said the move was in fulfillment of a campaign promise made in 2019.

He explained that the initiative is aimed at strengthening local governance, fostering cultural identity, and reinforcing the traditional institutions as key agents of peace, unity, and development.

The governor noted that the state had remained stagnant in the creation of traditional structures since its inception in 1976, making it necessary to revisit long-standing demands for social equity and historical legitimacy.

According to him, “the rationale for creating new emirates, chiefdoms, and districts is to promote peace, development, and inclusivity by empowering communities to participate more actively in governance.”

Governor Mohammed outlined the committee’s terms of reference, which include receiving and evaluating memoranda from communities based on set criteria, verifying historical and political justifications, and assessing leadership structures, population figures, and geographic boundaries. The committee is also expected to conduct stakeholder engagements to ensure minority representation.

The committee is chaired by Alhaji Hamza Koshe Akuyam (Banagan Misau) from Misau LGA, with Justice Habibu Idris Shall from Tafawa Balewa LGA serving as deputy chairman.

In his remarks, Akuyam pledged that the committee would carry out its assignment with transparency, fairness, and integrity, assuring the governor of a thorough and inclusive review process.

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, has dismissed claims of a possible defection from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Adeleke described himself as a loyal member of the PDP and leader of the party in the state.

This comes amid his recent visit to President Bola Tinubu in Lagos State and in Abuja.

However, the governor vowed to remain focused on delivering his 5-point agenda to the people of the state.

Adeleke made his political position known in a post on X.

He urged the public to disregard the fake news and continue to support him.

“Over the last few hours, I have been inundated with calls regarding rumours of a possible defection.

“I want to assure the good people of Osun State and Nigerians at large; I remain a loyal member and the leader of the People’s Democratic Party in Osun State.

“My focus remains on delivering good governance and fulfilling our 5-point agenda for Osun people,” he wrote.

The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has slammed the brakes on calls for protest over Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan’s reinstatement agitation, urging civil society organizations (CSOs) to exercise restraint and allow due process to take its full course.

In a press conference held at the NCSCN headquarters in Abuja, Executive Director Amb. Blessing A. Akinlosotu condemned the unwarranted call for protest, citing the need to respect the rule of law and avoid actions that could undermine judicial and legislative institutions.

The development follows a Federal High Court in Abuja judgment on the matter between Senator Natasha and the Senate, which upheld the Senate’s constitutional power to discipline its members. The court imposed a ₦5 million fine and mandated her to publicly apologize within seven days for contempt of court.

Akinlosotu expressed concerns over clandestine meetings and instigation of CSOs towards public protest before the judgment was delivered, stressing that such actions could destabilize the National Assembly and undermine its legislative duties.

“We condemn the unwarranted call for protest and urge CSOs to exercise restraint, allowing due process to take its full course,” Akinlosotu said. “We respectfully appeal to all well-meaning Nigerians and civil society actors to desist from further agitation until the legal process is concluded and the official judgment is publicly available for objective review.”

The NCSCN emphasized the vital roles of Civil Society, including strengthening democracy, protecting the rights of the marginalized, and promoting inclusive development. “We will not hesitate to sanction any member found to be involved in any activity that leads to unrest, violence, or destruction of lives and property,” Akinlosotu warned.

The NCSCN’s call for restraint aims to prioritize stability and allow the National Assembly to focus on its legislative duties for the benefit of all Nigerians and the nation.