Arbitrariness of state governments threatens traditional institutions—Atiku

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has advised that traditional institutions  should be protected from arbitrariness of the state government which is threatening their stability.

Atiku who gave the advice in a statement signed by him said when the structure of ascension of traditional rulers is unstable, it will become equally difficult to maintain peace and orderliness in communities.

“While it is understandable that the institutions of traditional rulership are in the exclusive purview of the state government, although through the local government authorities, it must be established that traditional institutions constitute a component of our governance structure.

READ ALSO: Tension rises as Atiku, El-Rufai, Tambuwal, Modu Sheriff visit Buhari in Daura

He said it has become imperative to protect traditional institutions following recent development in some States.

“Although our constitution, in its current format, does not ascribe any recognition to traditional institutions, yet our experiences show clearly that they perform enormous roles in the economic life of their domains, as well as maintenance of peace and security in communities.

“I wish to remind you that the traditional institutions formed the governance structures before the advent of the colonialists. And they governed well. Consequently, they are institutions we must protect and preserve and not destroy.

“It is, therefore, on this basis that I lean towards the advocacy that calls for constitutional reform that will not just recognize traditional institutions in our body of laws but also define the responsibilities of their offices.

‘This reform is even more important in view of the collective drive to stem the ugly tide of terrorism and sundry security challenges at the local levels.

“In conclusion, I must also appeal to state governors to accord the necessary respect to the offices of traditional institutions. The customs that our traditional rulers represent is the totality of our heritage as a people.