Community stakeholders from Ningi Emirate in Bauchi State have warned of possible communal unrest if the state government proceeds with plans to carve out the old Ningi settlements and Kudu/Yamma areas from the existing Ningi Emirate to form the proposed Ari Chiefdom/Emirate.

In a seven-page petition addressed to the Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Hon. Abubakar Suleiman, the communities urged the government to reconsider the proposal, citing threats to historical continuity, cultural unity, and peace in the area.

The petition, titled “Objection on the Proposal for the Inclusion of Old Ningi and Kudu/Yamma Village Areas in the Proposed Ari Chiefdom/Emirate Out of Ningi Emirate Council, Bauchi State,” accused the government of distorting history and risking long-standing social cohesion.

Earlier this week, the State Government’s High-Powered Committee on the Creation of Chiefdoms and Emirates, led by Hamza Koshe Akuyam, submitted its report recommending the creation of 13 additional emirates, two chiefdoms, and 111 district councils, which has been forwarded to the Assembly for ratification.

The stakeholders said the inclusion of the two areas in the new emirate would “dilute our history, distort historical continuity, and weaken the cultural bonds that have held us together for over two centuries.”

They also warned that the move could create political instability, alleging that “any attempt to remove critical parts of Ningi Emirate will weaken its traditional institution and be perceived as a plan to diminish the influence of the ruling Emir.”

On security implications, the petitioners cautioned that the planned boundary adjustments could fuel rivalries between groups loyal to the Ningi Emirate and those supporting the proposed Ari Chiefdom, potentially leading to “catastrophic conflicts and breaches of peace.”

They argued that dividing areas with shared culture, religion, and geography would create “conflicts of loyalty and authority,” making administration difficult.

While stating that they were not opposed to the creation of the Ari Chiefdom, the petitioners maintained that the people of Old Ningi and Kudu/Yamma deserved fairness and objectivity in any restructuring.

“We are convinced beyond reasonable doubt that the proposal to carve out Old Ningi and Kudu/Yamma communities into the proposed Ari Chiefdom will cause greater harm to Ningi Emirate and its people,” the petition read.

“We therefore urge the Speaker and the Assembly to critically review the designated areas in the interest of peace, unity, and security.”