By Ngozi Oluwole – A top ranking Nigerian traditional ruler has asked for constitutional backing for traditional rulers so as to support the government’s efforts in curbing banditry and insecurity in the country.
The Etsu Nupe, Alhaji (Dr) Yahaya Abubakar, CFR, made the plea on Tuesday, during a courtesy visit to the Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola OFR at his Northumberland Avenue office in London.
Abubakar argued that because of the roles they play in their communities, traditional rulers have access to local intelligence and are closer to the people than politicians.
The Etsu, who doubles as the chairman of Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers told the Ambassador that as they know the people living in their domains, they can quickly identify those coming there and ascertain what their real motives are.
Abubakar, who was accompanied on the visit by the Emir of Kontagora, Alhaji Mohammed Barau Kontagora, said, due to their own local intelligence gathering, criminals could be stopped from infiltrating the communities under the guise of coming to do business. “We know the people, and if any stranger is coming,” such can be fingered.
Ambassador Isola, who, with some embassy staff and diplomats, hosted the traditional rulers and their entourage in his office, described the Etsu Nupe as “one of the stabilising forces in Nigeria.”
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