Bakassi monarch advocates roles for traditional rulers, ministry of chieftaincy matters

The traditional ruler of Bakassi local government area and chairman of Cross River State Traditional Rulers’ Council, HRM Etinyin Etim Okon Edet has added his voice to the calls for federal government to specify constitutional roles for traditional fathers.

Speaking with some journalists, the monarch also urged President Bola Tinubu and state governors to establish the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Rural Development.

He stressed that the traditional institution is the last hope of the people and the closest to the people.

Harping on the constitutional role, the monarch also called on the federal government to avail itself of the rich resources embedded in the traditional institution.

He said presently, it appears that the institution does not have a sense of belonging, recalling that when the colonial masters were around, traditional rulers were fully recognized.

He said, “The traditional institution is the last hope of the people at the grassroots. Governments at all levels would always come and go but the institution remains.

“The white men themselves, when they came, met the traditional rulers who were already administering their respective domains. It is necessary that the traditional rulers be given constitutional roles just like what is practised in South Africa.

“As we all know, the traditional institution is made of retired military officers, and professionals in various disciplines such as doctors, engineers, lawyers, and career diplomats amongst others. Let the government tap from their wealth of experiences to improve the socio-economic dynamics of our country.

“I am hereby advocating that President Bola Tinubu and indeed Governors of the 36 States establish the ministry of chieftaincy and rural development and appoint a minister and commissioners of Chieftaincy and Rural Development. This will enable traditional rulers to have a complete sense of belonging.”

Recognizing them, he said will engender development at the grassroots and curtail challenges of insecurity.

“If we are given that role in the constitution, as grassroots leaders too, Royal fathers will work towards rural development of their domain where they live.

“Traditional rulers have authority to mitigate insecurity if the government would empower and encourage them to live in their domains.

“We should know also that the traditional institution is like the Judiciary and should not be under the control, whims and caprices of the State government so that they could have that missing independence and boldness to speak the truth to powers.”

The monarch said when established, the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Rural Development will reactivate rural socioeconomic vibrancy.