The traditional ruler of the Jukun kingdom in Taraba State, Ishaku Adda Ali, has said the granting of autonomy to local government councils has come to save the traditional institution from embarrassment.
Ali, who doubles as the Chairman of the Taraba State Council of Traditional Rulers, stated this on Wednesday in his palace located in Wukari Local Government Council while playing host to the advisory committee on local government autonomy.
Overwhelmed by the presence of the committee, which was headed by the former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Peter Abel Diah, the monarch believed that the autonomy, if effectively implemented as directed by the Supreme Court, will go a long way in liberating traditional rulers spread across the country.
“The granting of local government autonomy to local government councils by the Supreme Court will no doubt free traditional rulers across the country from being relegated to the background. The autonomy has also come to restore dignity and authority to the traditional institutions, which had previously been overshadowed by the influence of local government councils,” the monarch said.
Affirming that the local government autonomy decision is timely and has come to save the traditional institution from embarrassment, he announced that the decision marks a significant step forward in ensuring that traditional rulers can effectively fulfill their roles within their communities without interference from local government officials.
Arguing that the autonomy has come to liberate the monarchs from the oppression of the local government chairmen, he lauded the state governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, for deeming it fit to establish the committee.
He promised the unflinching commitment of the monarchs spread across the state to the committee by contributing positively to its success.
“Your role as the interface between the government and the grassroots will be amplified, ensuring that the policies, programs, and decisions made at the local level are truly reflective of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by each community. The local governments will be encouraged to work together with the traditional institutions to uphold the rule of law, maintain social cohesion, and foster a culture of peaceful coexistence.
“Moreover, the security of the lives and property of citizens largely lies within the spheres of traditional rulers, which calls for synergy with the various councils to checkmate the activities of the criminal-minded ones in society,” he stated.
Granting autonomy to LGs saves traditional rulers from embarrassment – Taraba monarch