Committee seeks stronger LG, traditional rulers’ ties in Taraba

The Local Government Autonomy Advisory Committee has announced plans to build a strong and collaborative relationship between local government authorities and traditional institutions across Taraba State.

Making the pledge over the weekend while playing host to traditional rulers from the Central zone of the state, in Gembu, the administrative headquarters of Sardauna Local Government Council, the committee stressed the importance of integrating the unique strengths and perspectives of traditional rulers into the evolving local government framework.

According to the chairman of the committee, Peter Abel Diah, this initiative is expected to enhance the effectiveness of local governance by ensuring that traditional rulers play a pivotal role in decision-making and community development efforts across the state.

Expressing optimism that the partnership will contribute to a more inclusive and culturally sensitive approach to governance in the state, the committee called on traditional rulers to lend their voices and expertise to enable the autonomy to see the light of day in Taraba.

The decision of the committee to engage with the monarchs, according to the chairman, is to involve them effectively in the new local government autonomy framework.

The framework, as outlined by the committee, includes building on the established Traditional Rulers Council, institutionalising joint planning sessions, empowering traditional rulers as development partners, strengthening traditional dispute resolution mechanisms, ensuring representation on local government committees, and fostering capacity building and knowledge sharing.

“I call upon you, our esteemed royal fathers, to join us in this transformative journey, to lend your voice and expertise, and to be the pillar of support that will enable our local governments to truly serve the aspirations of our people,” Diah said.

The committee acknowledged the critical importance of preserving and strengthening the traditional dispute resolution mechanisms that have served communities for generations. They encouraged local governments to work with traditional institutions to uphold the rule of law, maintain social cohesion, and foster a culture of peaceful coexistence.

Through Diah, the committee reassured the monarchs of their determination to work round the clock to ensure that their rightful place in the new local governance framework is not only recognized but celebrated.

“Your wisdom, your influence, and your unwavering commitment to your people will be the bedrock upon which we build a more prosperous and inclusive Taraba State,” the committee asserted.

Responding on behalf of the monarchs, the First Class Chief of Mambilla, Dr. Shehu Baju, reiterated their commitment to join forces with the committee to succeed in their assigned responsibilities.

Before engaging with monarchs from the central zone, the committee, as observed by The Guardian, had earlier held closed-door sessions with traditional rulers from the northern and southern zones of the state on separate occasions.

Some of the monarchs who spoke to our state correspondent on the development applauded the Diah-led committee for deeming it fit to involve the traditional institution in the local government autonomy efforts.