• Speaker Abbas reassured traditional rulers that the 10th House would establish constitutional roles for them and achieve local government autonomy through a constitutional amendment
• The House has formed special committees to actualize local government autonomy and grant constitutional roles to traditional institutions in Nigeria

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajuddeen Abbas, has reassured traditional rulers and Nigerians that the 10th House is dedicated to establishing constitutional roles for traditional rulers and achieving local government autonomy through the ongoing constitutional amendment.

Abbas made this statement on Thursday after a panel discussion on the role of traditional rulers in national development during the two-day ‘Open Week 2024’ event, celebrating one year and 25 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria.

He announced that the House had formed two special standing committees to actualise local government autonomy and grant constitutional roles to traditional institutions in Nigeria.

“The 10th House, under my leadership, will strive to recognize traditional rulers in our constitutional amendment exercise. Despite previous attempts, we believe that traditional institutions are the backbones of our society, and their legal recognition will enhance the welfare and security of our people,” Abbas stated.

Etsu Nupe and Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar reflected on the evolution of traditional institutions in Nigeria, noting their historical role in providing organized leadership for communities. He mentioned that colonial masters utilized these institutions for governance due to their significance. However, he lamented that removing their powers has negatively impacted communities and increased crime and insecurity.

“We urge this Assembly to use the constitution review to re-establish the roles of traditional institutions so that we can assist governments in maintaining security and peace,” Abubakar said.

Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), called on the 10th National Assembly to provide legal and legislative support to strengthen traditional institutions. He praised the speaker for advocating for the inclusion of traditional institutions’ roles in the constitution. He emphasized the need for job security for traditional rulers, who are currently vulnerable to political influence.