Historical Development: Kebbi State was created on 27th August, 1991,
out of the then Sokoto State, following the creation of nine additional states
and the readjustment of geographical boundaries of the then twenty-one States
by the Federal Military Government.

The Emir of Gwandu's Palace

Its headquarters is Birnin Kebbi, an ancient town dating back to the 14th Century.
Located between latitude 10°8'N and 13°15'N and longitude 3°30'E and 6°02'E,
the state is bounded by Sokoto State to the north and east, Niger State to the
south, and Benin Republic to the west. It has a total land area of 36,129 sq.km.

Administrative Areas: In order to bring the government nearer to the
people and to facilitate easy administration, Kebbi State is divided into twentyone
local government areas , four emirate councils (Gwandu, Argungu, Yauri and Zuru),
and thirtyfive districts. As at the 1999 elections, the State has three senatorial
districts, eight federal constituencies and twentyone state legislative constituencies.

Administrative Structure: Kebbi State is governed by three administrative
structures, the state, local government and the emirate councils. The State
revolves around the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary. Kebbi State
Executive has ten ministries, the office of the Secretary to the State Government
and the Governor's office.

Each ministry has a number of parastatals and is headed by a commissioner,
through whom all matters relating to the ministry and parastatals are taken
to the executive council. The Legislative arm comprises twentyone members elected
on party platforms, with a speaker elected from amongst the legislators.

Argungu Fishing Festival

As per the 1999 constitution, the twentyone legislators are the law makers
and are divided into various committees with a chairman appointed from amongst
them. The state is divided into three senatorial districts and eight federal
constituencies. To ensure harmonious relationship and peaceful coexistence,
election of members for the various posts is on the basis of zoning and is rotational.

The judiciary is an independent arm of government which is headed by the Chief
judge of the state. It comprises three units, the High Court, Sharia and Area
Courts. The Hiah Court and Magistrate Courts are headed by judges and magistrates
respectively; while the Sharia Court of Appeal is under the honourable Grand
Khadi who is assisted by Khadis. The Sharia Court of Appeal deals with Sharia
matters referred to it by Sharia Area Courts.

All the three courts have one chief Registrar, they are serviced by a Judicial
Service Commission and are answerable to the Chief Judge of the state. Each
of the twentyone local government areas is headed by an elected chairman with
councillors representing varying wards.

Young Traditional Fulani Girls (on their way back from the market)

The chairman and his councillors represent the executive arm of the local government
area. The state Local Government Service Commission, appoints and posts administrative
secretaries, accountants and other auxiliary staff. The administrative secretary
serves as secretary to the Council.

Each LGA has eight key departments. These include: administration, finance,
education, works, social welfare, health, agriculture and natural resources
and information. Each of these is headed by an elected councillor.

Kebbi State is made up of four emirate councils: Gwandu, Argungu, Yauri and
Zuru. His Royal Highness, the Emir of Gwandu is the State Chairman of the Emirate
Council, with the Emirs of Argungu, Yauri and Zuru as members. Within each emirate
council, there are various traditional title holders. Each emirate council is
made up of district heads and councillors that are hereditary with some appointed.

The emirate councils are the custodians of traditional values, and institutions
and are much closer to the people within the state. In terms of pushing government
policies and programmes, soliciting for peace, they have performed creditably
well over the years.