The Adamawa State House of Assembly has passed a bill empowering Governor Ahmadu Fintiri to appoint acting emirs and chiefs in the state.
The bill, which amends the state’s Chiefs’ Appointment and Deposition Law No. 20 of 2025, allows the governor to appoint a prince from the ruling house to act in place of an incapacitated emir or chief.
The bill was approved after the House Ad-hoc committee, chaired by Deputy Speaker Mohammed Buba Jijiwa, presented its report during Wednesday’s plenary session. According to the committee, the traditional council, in consultation with the governor, may appoint a person to act in the place of an incapacitated emir or chief. The person appointed shall take up all duties and functions of the incapacitated emir or chief.
The acting appointment shall cease once a government hospital certifies the recovery of the substantive emir or chief. Additionally, if an emir or chief fails to attend official functions on three consecutive occasions within 12 months due to ill health, the council, in consultation with the governor and in line with custom, may appoint an acting leader.
The bill was passed after its third reading, moved by Majority Leader Kate Raymond Mamuno and seconded by Hon. Haruna Jilantikiri. Speaker Bathiya Wesley announced the passage of the bill and directed the clerk to prepare a clean copy for the governor’s assent.
The passage of this bill is expected to provide clarity and stability in the appointment of acting emirs and chiefs in Adamawa State. Once assented to by the governor, the bill will become law and guide the appointment process.
