By; ABDULLAHI AHMAD WAKILI
I am compelled to speak out on the recent worrisome trend of frosty relationship between Northern governors and traditional rulers, due to the perceived vast implications and consequences associated with the sad development.
This is a matter that requires urgent attention and decisive action from Northern stakeholders and elders.
I have been observant and with keen interest, concerns of the Northern general populace, especially North West, regarding the sad development. It is now clear and without doubt that there exist a wide vacuum of lack of understanding and synergy between the two vital institutions, which has now created a huge vacuum in the leadership and governance of the region. Communal conflict and other insecurity menace are presently on the increase.
It is therefore, necessary for us to collectively address this unpleasant trajectory, restore back the past good time, hence, allow peace and harmony to continue to flourish again.
The role of traditional rulers in our society is pivotal to all aspect of peace and development. In addition to being the bridge between elected leaders and electorates, through provision of feedback as regard government policies and plans, they are the custodians of our culture and traditions.
They also play a crucial role in maintaining social harmony, resolving disputes, and promoting development at the grassroots level. Whereas, governors on the other hand, are elected officials responsible for providing leadership at the state level. They are the ones in charge of state’s funds and security.
The two therefore, are to work hand-in-hand, for peace and development to continue to rain in a state. Regrettably however, relationship between the two vital institutions is glaringly deteriorating, with governors taking drastic and/or even harsh measures on the traditional institutions. Whereas, on the other hand, the traditional rulers are being accused by the governors of failure to adhere to the doctrine of neutrality in their dealings, especially during elections.
This, as accepted by many, was what led to breakdown in mutual trust and understanding, resulting show of force and specious litigations. I have the belief that, with sense of patriotism and in the interest of peace, this can be resolved through consultation, dialogue, mediation.
Other areas worth looking into are that of the need for our states and national assembly representative to revisit the traditional institution’s role in leadership, hence, the need for constitutional role in governance.
We must also ensure that governors are more inclusive in their decision-making processes, seeking the input and advice of the general public, through public hearing, town-hall meetings, etc.
To achieve this, I would like to propose for, in addition the existing Traditional Rulers Councils, the establishment of more platforms for regular interaction between governors and traditional rulers. More common boundary platforms would, without doubt, serve as preventive measure to situations such as the present predicament.
Furthermore, I call on governors to desist from actions associated with abuse of power, hence, respect the rights and privileges of our legally established institutions, with special consideration for the traditional intuitions.
In conclusion, I urge governors and northern leaders and stakeholders, for the sake of future generations, to join hands in resolving this and lots of other challenges presently retarding the north, so as to create a peaceful society where governance is participatory, inclusive, and transparent.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Thank you.
Abdullahi Ahmad Wakili (Wakilin Jama’a), is the 2023 Kaduna Zone 1 Senatorial Candidate People’s Redemption Party (PRP)
