Reps assure traditional rulers of constitutional role, LG autonomy

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajuddeen Abbas, has assured traditional rulers and Nigerians that the 10th House is committed to establishing constitutional roles for traditional rulers and achieving local government autonomy through the ongoing constitution amendment.

Abbas stated this on Thursday after a panel discussion on the role of traditional rulers in national development during the two-day ‘Open Week 2024’ event, which celebrated one year and 25 years of unbroken democracy in the country.

He stated that the house has established two special standing committees to drive the actualisation of local government autonomy and grant constitutional roles to traditional institutions in Nigeria.

“The 10th House, under my leadership, will strive to recognize traditional rulers in our constitution amendment exercise. Despite previous attempts, we believe that traditional institutions are the backbones of our society, and their legal recognition will enhance the welfare and security of our people,” Abbas said.

Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, recalled that traditional institutions in Nigeria evolved to provide organised leadership for communities.

He noted that colonial masters utilised these institutions for governance due to their significance.

However, he lamented that the removal of their powers has negatively impacted communities and increased crime and insecurity.

“We urge this Assembly to use the constitution review to re-establish the roles of traditional institutions so that we can assist governments in maintaining security and peace,” Abubakar said.

Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), urged the 10th National Assembly to provide legal and legislative support to strengthen traditional institutions.

He commended the speaker for advocating for traditional institutions’ roles in the constitution and called for job security for traditional rulers, who are currently vulnerable to political influence.