Foundation urges NASS to re-establish roles of traditional rulers

From: Femi  Oyelola, Kaduna

The TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation has called on the National Assembly  (NASS) to re-establish the roles of  traditional rulers in matters involving religion, culture, security, justice and other ancillary matters in the Nigerian Constitution.

This was contained in a statement by the National Coordinator of the foundation, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani  and  made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday.

The  Foundation  noted that the current constitution has relegated the traditional institution to the background with no constitutional roles.

Danfulani who is the Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi, added  that the Grand Patron of the Foundation H.E. Lt Gen TY Buratai Rtd had observed that “modern Nigeria’s origin was based on the political, social and economic roots of Nigeria’s empires, kingdoms and chiefdoms firmly established before the colonial rule.

“These empires, kingdoms and chiefdoms were well administered by the Emirs, Obas and Obis.

“These Traditional rulers wielded powers and authority that helped to douse conflicts and ensure criminals had no hiding places. Progress and developments took place in their domains.”

“As it is today, traditional rulers do not have the constitutional or other legal backings to perform effectively as they are not even mentioned in the 1999 constitution.

“This  is a great departure from all earlier constitutions that recognised them, and even gave them some functions to perform. Such functions include maintaining peace and security which made the work of the police, the military and the government officials much easier.

“The TY Buratai Foundation agrees and supports the position of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria that: “Traditional rulers should be accorded specific responsibilities for conflict and security management in their domains.”