Kwali: Minister seeks legislation to empower traditional rulers

By Stanley Onyekwere

The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, has called on the local, state and federal governments, through their legislatures, to pass legislations that recognises traditional rulers as stakeholders and instruments of conflict management and peace building.

Aliyu, who made this assertion yesterday, at the presentation of staff of office to the Etsu of Wako chiefdom in Kwali area council of the Territory, also noted that traditional rulers in both pre-colonial and post-colonial era have contributed immensely to the formation, extension, greatness and promotion of good relationship among different kingdoms and empires across Nigeria.

Aliyu, therefore, recommends continued involvement of traditional institutions in nation-building efforts in ways that would create condition for more effective and efficient peace-building, peace-making and conflict prevention initiatives in Nigeria.

Represented by the FCTA Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusade Adesola, the minister further noted that the staff of office of the traditional rulers was not just a symbol of authority, but also an instrument to promote peace building and conflict management especially in the face of increasing insecurity in various parts of the country.

Aliyu, however, warned that the FCTA would not spare any traditional ruler aiding and abetting criminality in his domain, stressing that no one has the right to accommodate total strangers or group of people especially now that the nation is facing challenges of insecurity.

“It is not in our character, no matter the level of poverty to betray the trust bestowed on you as a traditional ruler and the custodian of our traditions. This will not be acceptable in the seat of government where Mr. President is the Governor General,” she affirmed.

Earlier in her remarks, the Ag. Secretary Area Council Services Secretariat, Mrs. Olanipekun Omolola, commended the kingmakers and other stakeholders for overcoming the obstacles associated with the smooth process of selecting a new traditional ruler.

She however, reminded the new chief that leadership demands sacrifice, patience and vision for the people, while tasking him to work closely with the security agencies within his domain and members of traditional councils to anticipate, detect and nip in the bud any attempt to cause a breach of peace.

The Senator representing the FCT in the National Assembly, Sen. Philip Tanimu Aduda, Chairman of Kwali Area Council, Hon. Danladi Chiya, traditional rulers and other stakeholders gave goodwill messages.

The highpoint of the event was administering of oath of office and presentation of staff of office to the 8th Etsu of Wako chiefdom, H.R.H. Etsu Abdulaziz Usman Ibrahim.