Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed concern over what he describes as a growing trend of state governments distorting the processes involved in enthroning traditional rulers. Atiku, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last general election, emphasized that traditional institutions must be safeguarded from state government arbitrariness.
In a statement issued on Tuesday via his X handle, Atiku highlighted that maintaining peace and order within communities becomes challenging if the ascension processs for traditional rulers is unstable.
He called for Constitutional reforms that would not only recognize traditional institutions in national laws but als clearly define the responsibilities of their offices.
According to the statement: “Recent developments in the country has seen a growing tendency of state governments exerting influence in distorting the modalities of enthroning traditional stools.”
”It is a reality that stares us in the face from every corner of the country.”
“While it is understandable that the institutions of traditional ruler ship is 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.”
”And this, traditional institutions must be protected from the arbitrariness of state governments that threatens their stability.”
“When the structure of ascension of traditional rulers is unstable, it will become equally difficult to maintain peace and orderliness in communities.”
”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.”