The Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman, National Council of Traditional Rulers, Mohammed Saad Abubakar has accused the military particularly the regimes of Generals Gowon, Obasanjo, and Aguiyi Ironsi of systematically stripping traditional rulers in Nigeria of their constitutional powers and rendering them almost useless in the current scheme of things.
The Sultan’s outburst is contained in a Memorandum calling for the reinstatement of the status of the traditional institution in the Nigerian constitution and establishment of relevant bodies to give effect to its national role.
The memo which was signed by 36 other first class traditional rulers was submitted to the Senate Adhoc Committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution on Thursday.
Presenting the memo, Abubakar who was represented by Etsu of Nupe, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar noted that before 1960 traditional rulers played very prominent roles in the constitutional structure of Nigeria; effectively taking charge of the Native Authorities.
The Sultan said all of that soon ended with General Aguiyi Ironsi’s 1966 Unitary Government Decree, while General Yakubu Gowon and General Obasanjo’s 1967 and 1976 Local Government Reform Decrees respectively, stripped traditional rulers of their powers and gave same to the Local Government Councils thereby giving birth to the present system which has over the years created the current levels of insecurity and corruption.
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He said from that moment on the traditional institution became relegated to the ‘background.
He further explained how the traditional institution had served the Nigerian State over the years and was useful for the colonial government, the military and even with contemporary politicians to stabilize the country.
Abubakar said it is sad that the same traditional rulers no longer have constitutional or any backing to perform effectively as they are not even mentioned in the 1999 constitution.
The Sultan and his Council of Traditional Rulers asked that their powers and roles be restored to them as the National Assembly undertakes a review of the 1999 Constitution.
Senate President Ahmad Lawan said he recognizes the role of the traditional rulers; stressing that there is a need now, more than ever before, to give them greater responsibilities.
He said it may not be out of place to include them in the security architecture of the country.
Editor-Oloyede Oworu
