From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
Tukur Buratai Research Centre and Traditional Rulers from the South Western part of Nigeria, have risen from a 5-day special seminar and retreat, to call on the Federal Government to initiate a National Conference and review of the 1999 Constitution, to integrate the traditional institution into the governance structure.
The Seminar and Retreat hosted at the Fifth Chukker Polo Club and Resort Kaduna by the Tukur Buratai Research Centre, brought together traditional rulers under the auspices of “Group-12” from Osun State for a critical dialogue with a theme “Traditional Institutions and Contemporary Security Challenges in Nigeria.”
The Communique issued at the end of the Seminar and Retreat was signed by the Chairman of the Centre and former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd) and Chairman Osun Group of 12, Oba Dr’ Adedokun Abolarin, as the Secretaries of the Centre and Osun Group of 12, Brig-Gen. Sani K. Usman and Oba Dr. Akeem Ogungbangbe respectively.
The communique argued that the integration of traditional institutions into contemporary governance structures and legitimizing their existing roles at various levels will create a more inclusive security architecture that leverages their local knowledge and influence.
It however called on the Federal Government to as a matter of necessity, formally recognize traditional institutions through political reforms and constitutional amendments and equip them with modern governance frameworks to effectively address socio-economic and contemporary security challenges in the country.
According to the communique, “Nigeria faces a complex security landscape characterized by insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, communal conflicts, and other criminal activities. Recognizing the vital role traditional institutions can play in addressing these challenges, the Tukur Buratai Research Centre (TBRC) facilitated discussions exploring their unique strengths and contributions to national security.
“Recognizing the importance of traditional rulers, and the nexus between national security, peace and stability, and capacity building, the Tukur Buratai Research Centre (TBRC) hosted a five-day seminar and retreat from 20th to 25th May 2024 at the Fifth Chukker Polo Club and Resort in Katabu, Kaduna State.
“The gathering brought together traditional rulers from Southwest Nigeria’s “Group-12” from Osun State, for a critical dialogue with a theme “Traditional Institutions and Contemporary Security Challenges in Nigeria.”
“The retreat also noted that Nigeria has reached a stage when the role of the traditional rulers with their level of education, exposure, and experiences, needs to be re-examined more critically to give them constitutional recognition and roles that will formally legitimize the informal roles they have been playing on security, conflict resolution, while participating in security and development planning at local, state and national levels,” it said.
The communique also stated that the Retreat resolved that, “There is a need for Constitutional Recognition and Empowerment in Nigeria. It therefore calls on the Federal Government of Nigeria to formally recognize traditional institutions through political reforms and constitutional amendments and equip them with modern governance frameworks to effectively address socio-economic and contemporary security challenges in the country.
“Governments at various levels should enhance the capacity of traditional rulers by engaging in specialized training programs for traditional rulers across the country in conflict resolution, community policing, and crisis management. This will enhance their skills in fostering peace and stability within their communities and beyond.
“There is a need to Integrate our traditional institutions into contemporary governance structures, legitimizing their existing roles at various levels. This will create a more inclusive security architecture that leverages their local knowledge and influence.
“The retreat recognizing the importance of transparency and accountability, recommends establishing mechanisms for transparency, accountability, and public awareness within traditional * governance structures. Building trust with their communities is essential for their continued effectiveness.
“The five percent allocation from Local Government accounts given to the traditional institutions is grossly inadequate. Therefore the retreat also recommends increased funding for traditional institutions because enhanced funding for traditional institutions would strengthen their capacity to address security challenges at the grassroots level as the investment will have a significant impact on overall national security.
“There is a need to strengthen the judicial functions of traditional rulers to deal with local and customary issues, as enhancing the judicial functions of traditional rulers by integrating Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms within their institutions. This will promote a swifter and more peaceful resolution of local disputes.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria should convene a National Conference for traditional institutions to articulate their positions and submit a proposed Bill to the National Assembly to integrate the traditional institution into the governance structure.
“Consequently, the TBRC strongly supports these recommendations, believing they will significantly strengthen the role of traditional institutions as pillars of national security and stability. By empowering these institutions and fostering collaboration between them, government, and security agencies, Nigeria can build a more secure and peaceful future for all its citizens,” the communique read.
