Insecurity: Bauchi Speaker Canvases Constitutional Role For Traditional Rulers

BY ADEYEMI AKANJI, BAUCHI – The Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Hon. Abubakar Suleiman has advocated the need for traditional rulers in the country to be assigned constitutional roles in the ongoing review and amendment of the 1999 Constitution.

Suleiman said that the move would ensure that the custodians of tradition and culture y are able to play critical role in the development of the country.

The Speaker, who stated the position during the 20th turbaning cnniversary of the District Head of Bashe in Burra District of Ningi Local Government, Alhaji Usman Idris Usman Parda, noted that traditional rulers are being relegated by the constitution as no role is assigned to them which is worsening the insecurity situation in the country.

He said that traditional rulers as custodian of cultural heritage are promoters of peace, unity and vehicle through which government reaches the people,

According to Suleiman: “Many years ago, traditional rulers had central role and power in the affairs of the society. They are closer to people and know whoever comes in and out of their domain, in the process, they fish out any criminal element trying to reside in their domain.

“These roles and powers are withdrawn but I must commend the District Head of Burra and Village Head of Bashe for appointing Fulani Heads (Hardo) in the area whom I believe will help you in surveillance and securing your domains”.

In his address, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, said his administration holds traditional institutions with high esteem thus the reason he always accord them due respect.

Governor Mohammed, who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Abdulrazak Nuhu Zaki, wondered the condition of Kafin Lemo Primary School despite the massive renovations of schools embarked upon across the state by the present administration and pledged to work with the Speaker to ensure its renovation by the government soon.

In his remarks, the Village Head of Bashe Alhaji Usman Idris Usman Parda thanked all the dignitaries and people that attended the event which he said has deeply touched him.