By Our Correspondent

National News – The Bala Mohammed-led Bauchi State Government has distributed 186 vehicles to newly established emirates, chiefdoms, and district heads, aiming to strengthen grassroots governance and improve traditional leadership operations.

The distribution took place on Monday in Bauchi, where the governor personally presided over the ceremony, describing the initiative as a strategic move to enhance service delivery and community engagement.

According to Mohammed, the gesture goes beyond routine governance, emphasizing the critical role traditional rulers play in maintaining peace, mediating disputes, and bridging the gap between the government and local communities.

He explained that the vehicles—including 14 GMC SUVs, 14 Toyota Hilux trucks, 14 buses, and 144 Toyota Camry cars—will improve mobility and enable rulers to better serve their domains.

The governor also revealed that construction of new palaces for the recently created emirates and chiefdoms has commenced, with a commitment to complete the projects before the end of his administration.

He noted that the expansion of traditional institutions, approved in October 2025, was designed to bring governance closer to the people and ensure effective administration at the grassroots level.

Highlighting financial matters, Mohammed stated that his administration has enforced statutory allocations of between four and six percent from local governments to traditional institutions.

However, he stressed that these funds must be managed responsibly, warning against misuse and emphasizing accountability.

He further urged traditional rulers to remain within their domains, focus on leadership responsibilities, and avoid partisan politics to preserve the integrity of their offices.

Speaking at the event, the Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Abubakar Suleiman, commended the initiative, while the Emir of Bauchi described it as a milestone that would enhance peace, unity, and development across the state.