Insecurity: Tambuwal canvasses constitutional roles for traditional rulers

The Sokoto State Governor, Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, has called for the amendment of the Nigerian Constitution to create clearly defined roles for traditional rulers in the country, especially on community policing and security.

Tambuwal made the call while inaugurating Delta State Traditional Rulers’ Council Secretariat in Asaba, on Wednesday.

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He said in view of the role traditional rulers play in the administration of communities, it becomes expedient that a constitutional amendment is made to create a role for them.

The governor stated that Northern Governors’ Forum had already resolved to push for the amendment of the Constitution in that regard and urged their Southern counterparts to support the move.

He described Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, as “an amiable, reliable and performing governor” and commended him for his contributions to the growth of the state and prayed God to preserve and keep him for greater service to the nation.

“I am overwhelmed by what I have seen here in this magnificent building that will accommodate the traditional rulers in this state.

“Traditional rulers are not just traditional institution but a fountain of wisdom, knowledge and experience that we drink from in the discharge of our duties as governors.

“We must do everything possible to preserve the traditional institution and bring back the diminishing glory of the institution.

“At the Northern Governor’s Forum, we have decided to support a constitutional amendment to give traditional rulers a place in the governance of this nation and we seek the support of the Southern Governors in this regard,” Tambuwal said.

Okowa, in his remarks, appreciated the traditional rulers for their regular advice and usual support to his administration and pledged the continued support of the state government to the traditional institution.

He said that he was one of those who believed that traditional rulers should have a place in the governance of the nation and attributed the success of his administration to the support of the traditional institution.