The Nigerian Governors’ Forum and the National Council of Traditional Rulers have set up a joint committee to look into how the role of the royal fathers can be be enhanced in the ongoing Constitutional amendment process in the National Assembly.
Both groups met on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja to discuss the constitutional role of traditional leaders and their impact on governance.
The meeting was called by the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazak, to advance the steps towards fostering collaboration between the two influential bodies.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, who participated in the meeting, briefed correspondents later, emphasizing the need to empower traditional rulers within the governance framework.
“We discussed the proposed bill currently before the National Assembly regarding the role of traditional rulers. The Etsu of Nupe provided a comprehensive summary of the bill, highlighting its potential to enhance the participation of traditional leaders in governance, peace, and security,” he stated.
The meeting, described as the first of its kind, also sought to address pressing issues such as peace and security, food security, and emerging threats.
He said traditional rulers, recognized for their close ties to grassroots communities, were acknowledged for their crucial roles in local governance.
Governor Abiodun remarked: “Our traditional rulers possess intimate knowledge of their communities. They can effectively participate in community policing and provide vital intelligence that strengthens our law enforcement efforts.”
A significant focus of the discussions was the importance of state policing and addressing gender-based violence.
Governor Abiodun highlighted an initiative led by His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, aimed at combating gender-based violence.
He called for similar initiatives to be implemented by traditional rulers across the country, leveraging their trusted positions within communities to create referral centers for victims and a feedback mechanism for reporting issues.
The impact of recent Supreme Court rulings on local government autonomy was also addressed, with traditional leaders encouraged to understand the implications for their institutions.
Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, on his remarks to the media, expressed gratitude for the initiative, stating: “This meeting represents a significant opportunity to enhance the role of traditional rulers in governance. Our proposed bill aims to amend the 1999 Constitution to reflect the structure, functions, and funding of traditional institutions, ensuring they are insulated from partisan politics.”
Both Governor Abiodun and Etsu Abubakar underscored the importance of proper funding for traditional institutions, asserting that adequate financial support would enable them to effectively address the social, political, and security challenges facing Nigeria today.
As part of the meeting’s outcomes, a joint committee was established, comprising representatives from both the governors and traditional rulers. This committee, chaired by the Governor of Imo State, will synthesize the feedback and insights gathered during the meeting to create a comprehensive document that reflects the desires and needs of the communities they represent.
The Etsu Nupe reiterated the commitment of traditional rulers to serve as significant stakeholders in Nigeria’s governance, stating, “We are equipped with professionals from various fields, including retired military personnel and technocrats. Our experience positions us to lead effectively and address the challenges our nation faces.”
ALSO READ THESE TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
