Ben Kalu: Traditional rulers at mercy of government — they need constitutional roles

Benjamin Kalu, deputy speaker of the house of representatives, says traditional rulers need to be assigned constitutional roles.

A statement issued by Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu’s chief press secretary, said the deputy speaker said this at the weekend when he visited Aminu Bayero, the Emir of Kano, and Nasir Ado, Emir of Bichi.

Kalu said traditional rulers will be involved in the current constitutional amendment process. 

The deputy speaker who chairs the constitution review committee of the house, said traditional institutions have made significant contributions to the country’s unity, adding that they should be accorded constitutional roles rather than being left at the mercy of government.

“This institution is not as strong as it is supposed to be,” he said.

“The traditional institution must be strengthened, protected, secure and those who are heading it must feel secure. Not at the mercy of the local government chairman, not the security that comes from the state government or the president of the federal government, but the constitution.

“That’s why I am one of the advocates of a thorough and adequate recognition of the institution of the traditional rulers in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria because you are there, playing a role.

“We cannot turn a blind eye to the fact that there is a problem you are helping us to solve by being on the seat. It’s not about the glory that goes with it but the responsibility.”

Kalu congratulated the Emir of Kano on the holy matrimony of his son and appreciated him for attending the unveiling of PISE-P, a peace initiative in the south-east, last December.

“It is very obvious that you are partnering with the federal government to ensure there is peace and prosperity in this country. Keep doing what you are doing. It’s yielding fruits,” Kalu said.

At the palace of the Emir of Bichi, Kalu described the monarch as a valued friend and brother.

He thanked the traditional ruler for the role he played in the launch of the peace initiative. 

Last year, Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of representatives, said parliament will revisit the bill seeking to hand traditional rulers constitutional roles.

The bill did not scale the last constitutional amendment process in the 9th assembly.