In continuation of his policies for strengthening the traditional institution in Plateau State, Governor Simon Bako Lalong has on Wednesday signed into law the Bill for the remuneration of traditional rulers.
The Governor also on Thursday performed the coronation and presentation of Staff of Office to 3 upgraded Chiefs in Langtang North Local Government Area (LGA).
The chiefs upgraded were their Royal Highnesses Ponzhi Bwarat, Compt. Ponfa R. Bahal Rtd (3rd Class); Ponzhi Timmwat, Hon. Nicholas S. Musa (3rd Class); and Ponzhi Gani, Col. Dauda N. Nimyel. Rtd. (3rd Class).
Performing the coronation ceremony on March 16, 2023, at the palace of the Ponzhi Taroh, the Governor said the presentation of Staff of Office to the traditional rulers is in fulfillment of his campaign promise and goes to show that the APC keeps its words.
“You will agree with me that the focus we have given the traditional institution and the honour we have accorded our royal fathers have steered them to work hard for maintaining peace and security in their domains,” he said.
According to him, prioritising attention to the traditional institution has also promoted harmony within the diverse ethnic groups who now feel a sense of justice, equity, and fairness unlike in the past where they felt neglected, marginalised and oppressed.
He stated that to further strengthen the traditional institution, he had on Wednesday, signed into law the Plateau State Traditional Rulers Remuneration Bill 2020 which provides for the appointment, salaries, allowances and other related matters. Among other things, the bill outlines the categorization of traditional rulers in the state and their selection process which must be in line with the native law and custom of the people.
“It also stipulates the payment of basic salaries of traditional rulers; sources of salaries and allowances; payment for traditional rulers on acting capacity; effect of court proceedings on remuneration; exclusion from remuneration; as well as payment of death benefits among others”.
“On the whole, the bill ensures that running the traditional institution must be within law and without unnecessary challenges particularly related to funding. I am optimistic that with the coming of this law into effect, challenges experienced in the past will no longer surface especially concerning court proceedings and selection of new traditional rulers”.
“We hope that vacant stools will no longer remain empty as such situation does not augur well for efficiency and effectiveness,” he said.
He pointed out that his respect for the traditional institution has made his Rescue Administration to restore those stools that the PDP Government of Jonah Jang annulled.
Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Sylvanus Tapgun said Governor Lalong’s passion for the peace, stability and progress of the state is clearly seen in the respect and dignity he has accorded the traditional institution in Plateau State.
The Vice Chairman of the Plateau State Council of Traditional Rulers and Emirs and Long Gamai of Gamai land, HRH Miskoom Martin Shaldas III also appreciated the governor for being consistent in his efforts to elevate the traditional institution based on the yearnings of the people.
The Acting President, Langtang Joint Traditional Council and Ponzhi Zinni HRH Nimnan Langnim said the council remains indebted to the governor for approving the upgrade of the new chiefdoms as well as creating new districts.
Meanwhile, the governor had on Wednesday 15th March 2023 signed into law the Bill for the Renumeration of Traditional Rulers which is aimed at enhancing their salaries and allowances.
He signed the bill at Plateau Government House stating that the bill passed by the State House of Assembly was intended to make the traditional rulers more effective in the discharge of their duties for the good of the people.
The signing was attended by the Attorney General of the state and Commissioner of Justice, Hon. Chrisanctus Ahmadu, key government officials, and traditional rulers from across the state.
Lalong was hopeful that the new bill, made up of 17 clauses and two schedules, sponsored by Mr. Wallok Goma and the Plateau House of Assembly will give the traditional rulers a better status and robust welfare package including payments of salaries, of death benefits, entitlements of domestic staff according to different ranks and use of flags and sirens.
The Governor said the new bill captures that all traditional rulers categorised into 1st, 2nd, 3rd class status up to the last category which are the Village and Hamlet Heads will enjoy these improved salaries and benefits according to their status.
