From JIDAUNA YANUNG, Abuja
A traditional ruler from IMO State, Igwe Eze Chimamkpa, has called for the alteration of the 1999 Constitution to create a role for traditional rulers given their closeness to the people at the grassroots.
He made the call recently at the House of Representatives Open Legislative Week in Abuja, tagged, ‘Demand for Constitutional Role for Traditional Rulers in the country.’
Our correspondent reports that the forum offered an opportunity for citizens to interface with the law makers on divers issues affecting good governance.
The royal father, while discussing the role of traditional rulers in strengthening democracy, said that, with spelt out constitutional roles, traditional rulers could help reduce the problem of insecurity.
He added that finance was the main challenge hindering traditional institutions from tackling insecurity, adding “If you are not financially buoyant as a traditional ruler, then you cannot do much for the people and the country.”
In the same vein, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yakubu Maikyau, in his contribution said that traditional institutions were very important and critical for the sustenance of security in the country.
According to him, traditional rulers required funds to function effectively and perform well and stressed the need for adequate legislative framework for traditional institutions to operate.
Chairman, House Committee on Inter-Governmental Affairs, Nwachukwu Chukwugozi, said the open legislative session was strategic and timely.
He added that traditional rulersarecloser to the grassroots and are supposed to benefit from the democratic dividends, pointing out that they operate in all the nooks and crannies of Nigeria.
