The Chief Executive of Connect Development, Ambassador Hamzat Lawal has stressed the need to empower traditional institutions, constitutionally to assist in fighting crimes and criminalities for a peaceful society.
Comrade Lawal, an Anti-corruption Activist stated this at the weekend in Okene during the activities marking the 25th coronation anniversary of the Ohinoyi of Egbiraland, Dr. Ado Ibrahim.
He stated since that traditional rulers were key figures that made the colonial administration very effective in achieving its mandate, especially in the area of tax collection, the Federal Government should empower them via legislation to be more efficient in fighting crimes to reduce the cases of insecurity bedeviling the nation presently.
Before now, the traditional rulers have done very well when they were involved in running administration of this nation during the colonial period.
“They are critical stakeholders that cannot be overlooked in combating insecurity cases affecting the nation. I believe we will end the case of insecurity if that institution is strengthened by legislation“, he said.
He added that the traditional rulers enjoy the trust of their subjects, since they are in the know of whoever is living in their domain at any given time.
While he stressed the need for community policing to enthrone a peaceful society, the social crusader said the traditional rulers should be involved in such a programme since they are effective tools to make it more functional for desired results.
“If the traditional rulers work with the government, they can reduce criminals and criminalities in the society, with ease “, he said.
In the same vein, the Vice Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Professor Marietu Tenuche said there is a need to legislate and strength the role of traditional rulers in the society in order to ensure an enduring peace in various communities in the country.
She added that the Ebira traditional institution, like any other traditional society, can be effectively positioned to assist in combating incidents of insecurity for a peaceful society.
Also, Barrister Ramat Tijjani Attah, an international jurist advocated a review of the role of the traditional institution to make them more potent in the area of securing communities off the hands of criminals that have created uneasiness in the nation today.
Barrister Attah who contested in the just concluded All Progressive Congress party primary election to represent Central Senatorial District in Kogi state at the red Chamber stated clearly that traditional rulers are the closest leaders to the people in any given society; as such, the government should increase their role for effective and peaceful society.
