Between tradition and search for integration
The present arrangement whereby they have no say in how government at the local level is run is a potential disaster for the future security and peace of the country. When security and peace get out of hand, traditional rulers are called out to calm the situation. This ad hoc method in the long run […]
The present arrangement whereby they have no say in how government at the local level is run is a potential disaster for the future security and peace of the country. When security and peace get out of hand, traditional rulers are called out to calm the situation. This ad hoc method in the long run will fail as in about thirty years time the traditional ruler’s position will become irrelevant with the resultant effect of complete indiscipline, criminality and unmitigated corruption in the society, which may lead to anarchy.
The local governments at present are remote from the people they govern. The commissioners for local government and chieftaincy affairs in the states are no substitute for the traditional rulers. Our constitution must be amended in such a way that each local government will have a supervisory traditional ruler with the power to order audit of its accounts and recommend any erring councilor for discipline or prosecution. He can even recommend the dissolution of the council after a thorough judicial inquiry. The local governments, as they are now, are alien to our culture and traditions. There is nobody to stand in over their affairs and managements. The involvement of traditional rulers in governance at the local government level will be popular as it will harmonise discipline and security. The traditional rulers reach easily to the grassroots of the society. Therefore they should not be condemned to irrelevance as it is evident that they are the most relevant and useful in times of crises.
Whatever shortcomings we have in the Nigerian Constitution, the basic provision is that all Nigerians are one entity irrespective of ethnic background, religion or creed. Nigerians had lived in peace for years especially during the colonial period. Things have changed and some people do not welcome the clear constitutional provision on indigene status.
Historical facts lend weight to the relevance of traditional rulers. It is universally acknowledged that kingship was one of the earliest forms of government known to mankind. Interestingly, even industrialized and developed countries in Europe and Asia today deem it appropriate and pertinent to maintain key aspects of monarchy in their governance thus greatly assisting the development of modern democratic institutions.
In contemporary African countries and societies, kings are referred to as natural or traditional rulers and were held dear and in high esteem by the people. In the Nigerian context, the British colonialists were impressed by the structures and functions which they met, and therefore decided to use the traditional institutions to rule for reasons of continuity in what was popularly known as indirect rule. After independence, subsequent administrations at all levels effectively used the traditional leaders as partners in progress in the foundation of Nigeria as a nation-state. The contributions of the regional Houses of Chiefs were many and a testimony to their relevance in contemporary constitutional reforms.
In spite of the military interventions and subsequent Biafran Civil War which threatened our national co-existence, the roles played by the emirs, chiefs, obas and obis in ensuring peace, harmony, unity and progress are well known to us. Even though the 1976 Local Government Reforms snatched away some powers of the traditional institutions, it is interesting to note that the 1979, 1989, 1995 constitutions as well as the 1999 draft constitution recognized the relevance of the traditional institutions and therefore spelt out their roles, functions and duties. The rather mysterious omission and or expunging of these useful provisions in the finally published 1999 constitution by the government of the day was unfortunate, retrogressive and against public interest.
A proper study of the credentials of our present day traditional rulers, at all levels of their hierarchical structure, will reveal that they are good depositories of our human resources. Many of them have attained immense experience and distinction as well as exposures in various fields of human endeavors e.g. public service, industry, diplomacy, trade, sciences etc. before ascending to their respective thrones.
The roles of the traditional leaders in proper public enlightenment and effective mobilization have proved more effective than that of any other organization, thanks to the social status, impartiality, and integrity of these royal fathers of the people.
Some historical perspectives can go a long way in elaborating the relevance of traditional institutions and the vital role they play in the modern governance of many countries including Nigeria. The oldest democracy in the world, the British system, has given a vital position to traditional institutions in its unwritten constitution in which the queen (or king) is still the Head of State and plays a vital role in the government of Great Britain.
Bearing in mind facts stated above, I am strongly making the following recommendations: – The Federal Government of Nigeria should invite experts to revisit the major recommendations contained in the Vision 2010 and that of the National Political Reform Conference as reference points in the constitutional recognition for traditional rulers.
Traditional rulers should play a major role in land allocation, relocation and distribution both at the Federal, State and Local Government levels as it would reduce land conflicts. The facilitation of revenue generation should be taken into consideration. The traditional rulers being the custodians of our rich tradition should also be charged with the sole responsibility of maintenance of peace, stability, law and order in their immediate localities thus uniting all sectors of the community. They should equally be deeply involved in the issue of conflict/dispute resolution nationwide as well as ensuring peaceful co-existence of the entire sundry, as members of one indivisible family despite our diversity.
A National Council of Traditional Rulers should be established to provide advisory roles to the Federal Government. Similarly, a State Council of Traditional Rulers should be established in each state. Traditional rulers should be fully involved in the registration of births and deaths in their domains.
Due to their influence on the people towards understanding and accepting government policies, traditional rulers should be fully involved in the general administration of education, enrollment and attendance of children at the primary school level and with their support enhance the federal government policy of girl-child education. The traditional rulers can also play a role in primary health care delivery and in achieving successful national immunization days (NIDs) by disabusing the minds of the local populace who reject the exercise based on certain beliefs.
Ahmadu is the Secretary, Mubi Emirate Council in Adamawa State. ([email protected])