Federal Government Urges Traditional Rulers To Lead Fight Against Insecurity
The Nigerian Government is calling on traditional rulers to take a frontline role in tackling insecurity, particularly in rural communities where unrest often festers unnoticed.
As part of efforts to formalise their involvement, the government is advancing a Proposed Bill to establish a National Council for Traditional Rulers.
The Bill aims to grant monarchs a stronger voice in governance and secure them seats on both State and National Security Councils.
Briefing journalists in Abuja, Chairman of the Joint Committee of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and the National Council for Traditional Rulers, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, said involving traditional leaders through non-kinetic means is now a strategic necessity.
“The current security challenges demand that we properly man ungoverned spaces, especially in rural areas. Our traditional institutions hold the trust of the people and must be part of the solution,” Uzodinma stated.
He noted that discussions around this move began last year, highlighting the need to leverage the ongoing constitutional amendment process to assign formal responsibilities to traditional rulers.
The proposed council, if established, is expected to bridge the gap between government policies and grassroots realities, empowering royal fathers to play active roles in peacebuilding and community governance.