Govs, traditional rulers get mandate to compile recommendations in new bill

A committee comprising state governors and traditional rulers has been mandated to compile key recommendations to be included in a bill to establish a National Council of Traditional Rulers.

The 15-member committee, chaired by Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, is tasked with harmonising recommendations to clarify the role of traditional rulers in ensuring security at the grassroots level.

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State disclosed the decision after the inaugural dialogue between the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the monarchs, held on Wednesday at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

Governor Abiodun said the meeting discussed the need for community policing, intelligence sharing, and the role of traditional rulers in ensuring security in their local communities.

He said: “We agreed that a joint committee of governors and our traditional rulers should be set up. That committee will ensure the inclusion of various remarks and comments made by those present today, reflecting the desires of those they represent, to create a robust document.

“All input will be synthesised to ensure that the document presented to the National Assembly is comprehensive and inclusive, empowering our royal majesties and highnesses and involving them in governance, peace, and security across the country, including the FCT.”

On the committee’s timeline, Abiodun stated: “Based on the terms of reference, they have been given four to six weeks to complete the assignment and submit it before the next meeting.”

In early October, a bill sponsored by Senator Simon Lalong of Plateau South to establish a National Council of Traditional Rulers passed its first reading in the Senate chamber.

The National Council of Traditional Rulers (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (SB. 546) seeks to define constitutional roles for traditional institutions to address national challenges more effectively. It also aims to empower traditional rulers with constitutional responsibilities in tackling issues such as insecurity, peace-building, and inter-community disputes.

Lalong, a former governor of Plateau State and Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, has been a longtime advocate for integrating traditional rulers into the constitutional framework.