Six Emirs dismissed in Bauchi over partisan politics

The Bauchi State Government has dismissed six traditional rulers from office, including the brother of one emir, participating in partisan politics in the 2023 general election.

The dismissed traditional rulers are from the two Emirate Councils of Bauchi and Katagum, which are the two leading emirates in the state. The Emir of Bauchi is the chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers while that of Katagum is the deputy chairman.

A statement on July 20, 2023, stated that, “The Local Government Service Commission has approved the dismissal of six traditional rulers in Bauchi and Katagum Emirate Councils.”

The statement signed by the acting Permanent Secretary of the commission, Nasiru Ibrahim Dewu, on behalf of the chairman of the commission, said those affected included Alhaji Aminu Muhammad Malami, district head of Udubo; Alhaji Bashir Kabir Umar, district head of Azare; Umar Omar, village head of Gadiya; and Umar Bani, village head of Tarmasuwa, all in Katagum Emirate Council.

Also, those dismissed from Bauchi Emirate Council included Bello Suleman, the village head of Beni, and Alhaji Yusuf Aliyu Badara, the village head of Badara.

The statement, therefore, directed the affected traditional rulers to hand over to their secretaries while the Emirate Councils are to appoint overseeing officers pending the appointment of substantive officers by the commission.

The statement explained that they were dismissed based on “involvement in partisan politics, misconduct, illegal forest reserve encroachment/falling of trees, misappropriation of public funds and insubordination, which is contrary to the public service rules.”