The Nigerian Senate on Thursday, moved a step closer to establishing the National Council for Traditional Rulers, with the bill passing its second reading. The legislation aims to formally recognize the role of monarchs and community leaders, integrating them into national governance.
Senator Simon Lalong, representing Plateau South, sponsored the bill. Lalong, a former governor of Plateau State, highlighted the importance of traditional rulers, noting that many are well-educated and capable of providing valuable advice on critical national issues, including security and conflict resolution. He argued that traditional rulers, deeply embedded in their communities, could help address pressing issues such as insecurity and local governance challenges.
“When crises occur, the first thing people ask is, ‘Why isn’t the traditional ruler doing something?’ They know everyone in their communities, including the criminals,” Lalong said. He emphasized that while traditional leaders often face expectations to act, they currently lack the official responsibility and authority to address these issues effectively.
Lalong further explained that traditional rulers were actively engaged in the electoral process, attending meetings and requesting roles in the governance structure. He argued that their involvement could contribute significantly to improving security, noting that without security, other national efforts would be ineffective.
Despite Lalong’s strong defense of the bill, some senators voiced concerns about potential overlaps between the roles of traditional rulers and elected local government officials. They stressed the importance of clearly defining responsibilities to avoid confusion and ensure smooth governance.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio supported the bill’s progression but underscored the need for a public hearing to gather further input before it moves to a third reading. He acknowledged that traditional rulers could offer valuable insights into national issues, which could benefit the government’s decision-making.
The bill was subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on Establishment, which has been tasked with reviewing it and reporting back in four weeks.
