Bauchi: Court of Appeal Restores Tafawa Balewa as the Legitimate Local Government Headquarters

The Court of Appeal, Jos Division, has delivered a landmark judgment affirming the rightful status of Tafawa Balewa town as the legally recognized headquarters of Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area, Bauchi State.

In its ruling, the Court nullified the controversial and illegal relocation of the LGA headquarters to Bununu, describing the action as unconstitutional, unjust, and without due process. The judgment therefore orders the immediate restoration of Tafawa Balewa town as the official headquarters.

This long-awaited judgment brings to an end years of dispute, tension, and marginalization suffered by the people of Tafawa Balewa following the relocation of the council headquarters. The Court’s pronouncement has reaffirmed the supremacy of the rule of law and the protection of constitutional rights over arbitrary decisions.

For more than a decade, the people of Tafawa Balewa endured untold hardships due to the relocation. Essential government services were denied to them, with many residents forced to travel long distances to access basic administrative functions. Economic activities in the town were crippled, small businesses collapsed, and infrastructure projects were abandoned as official attention shifted away. Despite these challenges, the resilience of the people never wavered. They remained peaceful, law-abiding, and steadfast in their belief that justice would one day prevail.

Remarkably, during this difficult period, Tafawa Balewa indigenes made significant contributions to education, community development, and peaceful coexistence. The town continued to produce notable scholars, leaders, and professionals who excelled nationally and internationally, showing that their spirit could not be silenced by political injustice. Local farmers also sustained food production for surrounding communities, proving that Tafawa Balewa remained a vital hub despite the neglect.

Speaking on the development, community leaders, stakeholders, and residents of Tafawa Balewa expressed joy and gratitude, describing the judgment as a victory for truth, justice, and the democratic process. They further commended the judiciary for standing firm in upholding fairness and ensuring that the rights of communities are not trampled upon.

The ruling also serves as a reminder to all tiers of government that governance must be guided by law, equity, and fairness, and that the voices of the people cannot be silenced through unlawful political maneuvers.

The people of Tafawa Balewa remain committed to peace, unity, and development, and call on all stakeholders to respect and implement the judgment in good faith, so that lasting harmony and progress can be achieved in the area.

Comr Joseph Emmanuel Joeman

Za’ar Concert Citizen.

September 16th, 2025