Since independence, Nigeria has witnessed various political crises that escalated insecurity, destroyed lives and properties, as well as facilitated the disruption of the socio-economic life of the nation. However, the crises assumed different dimensions, becoming more sophisticated, more deadly and more militarised with a wider international terrorists’ connection. A lot of efforts have been put in place by the government to stem the tide of pervasive insecurity, with little success recorded.
Recently, the National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd), sought for a multi-stakeholder approach in the fight against terrorism and banditry in the country, adding that the kinetic approach alone would not contain terrorism and other security challenges confronting the nation.
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Therefore, as a result of the inability of political leaders to tackle insecurity problems in Nigeria, there is a need to turn to the traditional rulers and religious leaders for a possible solution to this hydra-headed monster.
The roles of institutions in managing society can be traced back to the colonial era, when the British administrators employed an indirect rule system in the northern part of the country thereby using traditional rulers as vehicles for ruling and controlling the masses.
The traditional rulers are the heads of their ethnic group, clan or community, so their role in conflict management, resolution and prevention cannot be overlooked. They manage people in their domain and resolve conflicts in the society in order to ensure peace and stability always reign. Their words are laws to the people and their advice and opinions on issues are respected and accepted as well.
The role of traditional institutions in ensuring security can never be overemphasised. The latest version of Nigeria’s National Security Strategy 2019, a document released by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) stated that their roles are critical to national cohesion and stability as they act to preserve our cultures, traditions, values, morals and beliefs. They serve as first-line vanguards in handling communal conflicts and crises, thereby advancing peaceful coexistence amongst our diverse citizenry.
The office has also been partnering with religious and community leaders to develop and disseminate counter-narratives, as well as design guidance materials for preventing violent extremism.
In that regard, traditional rulers have continued to serve as arbitrators in the quest for management of many conflicts across Nigeria.
Examples of that include how the Oni of Ife led other Yoruba monarchs to mediate the Ife and Modakeke land crisis. Traditional rulers have also continually intervened in the Niger Delta crisis.
Similarly, in the Northern part of Nigeria, the traditional rulers have been doing their best in the resolution of the Boko Haram crisis, especially now that the terrorists are calling quit to the fight. Additionally, they are known to intervene in settling disputes among farmers and herders among others.
Thus, there is the need for the government to encourage the traditional rulers in this regard to ensure continuous peace and harmony in the society.
Furthermore, the role of religious leaders as agents of peace and security for sustainable development should equally be recognised, since religion itself is one of the cultural patterns of human society, which helps to shape and reshape the society. Religious clerics should always preach the gospel of peace and unity during their sermons.
Therefore, for the nation to be at peace and security consciousness for sustainable development, the religious leaders have to tell the leaders the truth. Clerics should advise leaders to lead by example.
Thus, Nigeria will then surely be a peaceful humanly habitable society only if our leaders strive and show the fear of God in their leadership.
For traditional rulers to participate meaningfully on matters of security in the country, there is a need for them to be re-positioned to their previously assigned constitutional roles so as not to just serve as agents of conflict resolution but also as security managers, which they were before and during the colonial era.
With the ever-increasing security challenges facing the nation today, the integration of traditional rulers and religious leaders into a security network that will provide necessary stability is desirable.
Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi sent this piece from Kano
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