File photo: Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris
Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has approved the creation of seven new districts and the appointment of district and village heads across parts of the Zuru Emirate to strengthen traditional institutions and improve grassroots administration.
The approval, announced in a statement signed by the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Garba Umar Dutsinmari, was made public in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday.
The new districts are Peni, Mahuta, Bangu, Gele, Chonoko and Ummu, while Chonoko Village in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area has also been upgraded to district status.
The governor also approved the appointment of new district heads for the affected areas and village heads in parts of Zuru Local Government Area.
According to the statement, Peni District was carved out of the existing Bajida District in Fakai Local Government Area, with its headquarters at Yoko.
Alhaji Ayuba Bende was appointed as its district head.
Mahuta and Bangu districts were created from the existing Marafa District, also in Fakai LGA, with Alhaji Farke Anama and Alhaji Abubakar Wamale appointed as their respective district heads.
Similarly, Gele District was created from the existing Bajida/Birnin Tudu District in Fakai LGA, with its headquarters at Boko. Alhaji Ahmad D. Gele was appointed as the district head.
In Danko-Wasagu LGA, Chonoko Village was upgraded to district status under the existing Waje District, with Bamaiyi Bawada Chonoko appointed as the new district head.
The government also created Ummu District from the existing Rafin Zuru District in Zuru LGA.
Under the new arrangement, Kabiru Chaka Diga was appointed village head of Sabon Garin Ummu, while Markus Yumu, Yakubu Maliki, Sale Oda and Usman Idris were appointed village heads of Domo, Ugeva, Chepko and Adhava Hanto, respectively.
The governor also approved the appointment of Muhammadu Danwarai as the new village head of Musume in Zuru LGA.
Explaining the legal basis for the decisions, Dutsinmari said the approvals were made in accordance with the Kebbi State Local Government Law, 2008.
He specifically cited Section 10, subsections (A) and (B), which provide for the exercise of relevant powers concerning the creation of districts and the appointment of district heads.
The commissioner urged the newly appointed traditional rulers to demonstrate integrity and commitment to their responsibilities.
He said, “The newly appointed district and village heads are expected to uphold discipline, honesty, transparency and dedication in the discharge of their responsibilities.”
Dutsinmari assured the appointees of the state government’s continued support and cooperation, adding that their appointments reflected their track records and demonstrated capacity to serve their respective communities.
The government said the exercise was part of its commitment to strengthening traditional institutions, promoting effective grassroots administration and advancing peace, unity and sustainable development across the state