By Beauty John, LAFIA
Plateau State governor Simon Bako Lalong has stressed the need for monarchs to be integrated into the county’s governance system as it will not only address insecurity from the grassroots, but also boost national development.
Lalong, reiterated this in Lafia, Nasarawa state Capital, while spearheading the inauguration of the consultative committee on role of traditional rulers in governance architecture of Nigeria.
The governor , who doubles as the Chairman, Northern State Governor’s Forum , noted the importance of traditional rulers in nation building.
“We are assembled here for the inauguration of the Consultative Committee on the Roles of Traditional Rulers in Governance Architecture of Nigeria as conceived by the Northern States Governor’s Forum.
“There is no doubt that the traditional institution plays a very significant role in the governance of the nation despite not having a formal role within the constitution.
“This is because the Traditional Rulers still command a high degree of legitimacy in the eyes of the people. As such, there remains the need to integrate the institution into the country’s contemporary governance system,” he said.
According to Lalong, there was need to integrate the monarchs into the country’s governance system believing strongly that the forum’s interface with Chairmen of the Northern States Traditional Rulers Council has propelled them to revisit the issue thereby constituting a committee to look into the roles of traditional rulers in country.
He added that traditional institutions being closer to the grassroots will contribute immensly to the fight against insecurity, banditry, kidnapping, youth restivenees and vices.
The specific terms of reference for this Committee are as follows:
“To review available Reports earlier submitted by previous committees, panels and commissions on roles of Traditional Rulers in Governance Architecture and advise the Northern States Governors’ Forum appropriately.
“To propose defined roles for the Traditional rulers particularly in the Governance Architecture of the Northern States and Nigeria.
“Any other recommendation to assist the Forum in pushing for defined roles and responsibilities in the Governance Architecture Nigeria and Northern States in particular.
Lalong, while expressing optimism in the capacity of the committee, urged them to consult widely and engage with relevant stakeholders so as to come up with recommendations that shall be vigorously pursued for implementation.
Responding on behalf of the committee, Chairman of the committee, Justice Sidi Bage , the Emir of Lafia assured that the committee is determined to work within the stipulated time.
The Committee was given 8 weeks to complete the assignment and submit its report.
