Toba Owojaiye Reporting
The Bauchi State House of Assembly has made the decision to adopt the Hausa language as the official language for communication during its plenary sessions. The Speaker of the House, Rt Hon Abubakar Y Suleiman, announced this during a plenary session following a motion moved by Hon. Auwal Hassan, the member representing Shira Constituency.
The purpose of adopting Hausa as the language of communication is to allow all lawmakers to actively participate in debates. However, it is important to note that English will also continue to be used alongside Hausa in the House.
Hon. Hassan stated that English is the official language used in governmental and non-governmental institutions in Nigeria. According to Section 97 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Order 3 Rule 8 of the Standing Orders of the Bauchi State House of Assembly 2017, the proceedings and debates of the House are to be conducted in English. However, the House has the option to conduct its business in other languages spoken in the state.
Hon. Hassan argued that since Hausa is the most widely spoken language in Bauchi, used by over 90% of the population for communication purposes, it should be adopted as the second official language alongside English. This decision aims to reflect the linguistic preferences and inclusivity of the state.