Governors, monarchs given four weeks to finalize security role bill
By Kunle Sanni
A committee of state governors and traditional rulers has been tasked with compiling key recommendations for a bill to establish a National Council of Traditional Rulers. The 15-member committee, led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, will consolidate proposals to clarify the role of traditional rulers in enhancing grassroots security.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed this to journalists following a meeting between the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and traditional rulers at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja. Abiodun noted that discussions centered on community policing, intelligence sharing, and the role of traditional leaders in maintaining local security.
“We agreed to set up a joint committee of governors and traditional rulers to ensure that the various remarks and feedback gathered today reflect the interests of those we represent.
“This input will contribute to a robust, comprehensive document for the National Assembly that seeks to further empower our royal majesties and involve them in governance, peace, and security across the country, including the FCT,” Abiodun explained.
When asked about the timeline, Abiodun said, “The committee has been given four to six weeks to complete its work and submit the recommendations before the next meeting.”
Earlier in October, a bill proposing the creation of a National Council of Traditional Rulers passed its first reading in the Senate.
Sponsored by Senator Simon Lalong of Plateau South, the National Council of Traditional Rulers (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (SB. 546) seeks to define constitutional roles for traditional institutions in addressing national challenges.
The bill aims to empower traditional rulers with responsibilities in areas such as security, peace-building, and conflict resolution. Lalong, a former governor of Plateau State and chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, has long advocated for the inclusion of traditional rulers in Nigeria’s constitutional framework.
