By; Mohammed Kawu, Bauchi
Governor Bala Mohammed has vowed that whether or not with Nigerian Constitution provisions recognition, Bauchi state will continue to hold it’s traditional rulers in high esteem.
“Even though the Nigerian Constitution did not give due recognition as to any specific role traditional rulers should play, we in Bauchi state sees them as leaders that rightly guides the people”.
The Governor explained that whether or not with constructional provisions, the traditional rulers have hitherto creditably performed in their various callings, and would sustain the tempo for peaceful co-existence among people.
Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed was speaking while presenting official cars and vehicles to the newly appointed emirs, chief and district heads in the state where he extolled their virtues and standings in the society.
Governor Bala during the impressive ceremony held at the Emir Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu Square of the Government House, presented14 GMC vehicles, 14 new Mitsubishi Hilax and 14 fairly used 2015 buses to each of the 14 Emirs and Chief.
Describing the investments in the traditional institutions as deliberate, strategic and necessary for members to carry out their assigned responsibilities, the governor also gave out 114 Toyota Camry vehicles to the new 114 district heads across the state.
Governor Bala said, “We will continue to uphold the sacred status of the traditional rulers who would continue to pray for Nigeria, and Bauchi state to be forefront in conflict resolution and peaceful co-existence among people”, he said.
The Bauchi Chief Executive explained that the traditional rulers are the custodians of the people’s heritage, the guardians of their values, and the closest link between government and the grassroots.
“Traditional rulers voices command respect, they enjoy an enduring trust and confidence of the common man. It is therefore both appropriate and necessary that we continue to according them the honour, recognition and the institutional support that replace their critical roles in governance and society stability”.
According to him, the vehicles carries symbolic and practical significance, symbolically representing respect, esteem and trust that his administration places in traditional institutions, hence the government’s recognition and valueing their dispensable roles in the governance architecture of the state.
“Those vehicles as tools are essential instruments to enhance mobility, improve reach and standing their effectiveness in discharging their responsibilities.
Our traditional rulers are expected to abide by their domains, engage communities, settle disputes, monitor development and collaborate with government and security agencies”.
The Governor said, “Our decision to strengthen the traditional institutions goes beyond material support, it is rooted in clear understanding of their indispensable roles in promoting peace, preserving culture and postering societal reorientation”.
Our traditional rulers posses a unique and effective grassroots drive that no modern institution can easily replicate. They are the point of contact for the people, the first responders to emerging tensions, and the most credible channels for disseminating government policies and programmes.
He enumerated their roles to include conflict resolution and mediation, stands firm against security threats, Supporting law enforcement and security agencies, modernizing community for development initiatives, and enforcing moral values and social discipline.
Governor Bala, while observing no government can effectively deliver on its mandate at the grassroots that without the effective collaboration of traditional institution, added that without the effective collaboration of traditional institutions, no government can effectively deliver on its mandate.
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