Constitutional Recognition and Local Autonomy for Traditional Rulers and Local GovernmentsConstitutional Recognition and Local Autonomy for Traditional Rulers and Local Governments Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajuddeen Abbas, has affirmed the House’s commitment to establishing constitutional roles for traditional rulers and achieving autonomy for local governments through ongoing constitutional amendments. Steps Taken by the House: * Formation of special committees to implement local government autonomy and constitutional roles for traditional institutions. * Recognition of traditional institutions as the backbone of society and essential for welfare and security. Perspectives from Traditional Rulers: * Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, highlighted the historical role of traditional rulers in organized leadership and lamented the negative impact of the withdrawal of their powers. * Abubakar urged the House to use the constitutional review to restore the roles of traditional institutions in maintaining security and peace. Support from the Nigerian Bar Association: * Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, Chairman of the NBA, called for legal and legislative support to strengthen traditional institutions. * Maikyau emphasized the need for job security for traditional rulers to make them less vulnerable to political influence. Conclusion: The House of Representatives is actively working to establish constitutional roles for traditional rulers and grant local government autonomy. These measures are expected to enhance the welfare and security of communities and strengthen the role of traditional institutions in nation-building.
- Speaker Abbas assured the traditional rulers that the 10th House would establish constitutional roles for them and grant them local government autonomy through a constitutional amendment
- The House has formed special committees to implement local government autonomy and accord constitutional roles to traditional institutions in Nigeria
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajuddeen Abbas, has reassured traditional rulers and Nigerians that the 10th House is committed to establishing constitutional roles for traditional rulers and achieving autonomy for local governments through the ongoing constitutional amendment.
Abbas made the remarks on Thursday after a panel discussion on the role of traditional rulers in national development during the two-day ‘Open Week 2024’ event, marking one year and 25 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria.
He disclosed that the House had set up two special standing committees to achieve local government autonomy and constitutional role for traditional institutions in Nigeria.
“The 10th House, under my leadership, will strive to recognise traditional rulers in our constitutional amendment exercise. Despite previous attempts, we believe that traditional institutions are the backbone of our society, and their legal recognition will enhance the welfare and security of our people,” Abbas said.
Etsu Nupe and Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar reflected on the evolution of traditional institutions in Nigeria, noting their historical role in providing organized leadership to communities. He mentioned that colonial masters used these institutions for governance because of their significance. He however lamented that the withdrawal of their powers had negatively impacted communities and increased criminality and insecurity.
“We urge this assembly to use the constitutional review to restore the roles of traditional institutions so that we can assist governments in maintaining security and peace,” Abubakar said.
Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), called on the 10th National Assembly to provide legal and legislative support to strengthen traditional institutions. He commended the Speaker for advocating for the inclusion of the role of traditional institutions in the Constitution. He stressed the need for job security for traditional rulers, who are currently vulnerable to political influence.
