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Atiku Abubakar Advocates for Constitutional Recognition and Protection of Traditional Institutions
In a recent post on his X page, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar voiced his concerns over the increasing influence of state governments on traditional institutions. The 2023 PDP presidential candidate emphasized the necessity of safeguarding these institutions from arbitrary state actions to prevent community unrest and maintain societal stability.
State Governments and Traditional Institutions
Atiku highlighted the growing tendency of state governments to exert undue influence over traditional leadership structures. He warned that such interference could destabilize these institutions, which play a crucial role in maintaining peace, security, and order within communities.
Call for Constitutional Reform
Atiku strongly advocated for constitutional reforms that would recognize and define the roles and responsibilities of traditional institutions. He believes that these institutions are integral to the governance structure and should be protected from state government arbitrariness.
Historical Significance and Modern Roles
Reflecting on the historical significance of traditional institutions, Atiku reminded that these entities were the primary governance structures before colonial times and managed their domains effectively. Despite the current constitution not formally recognizing traditional institutions, their impact on local economies and community security is undeniable.
Atiku’s Statement on Traditional Institutions
In his post, Atiku stated: “Recent developments in the country have seen a growing tendency of state governments exerting influence in distorting the modalities of enthroning traditional stools. It is a reality that stares us in the face from every corner of the country.
“While it is understandable that the institutions of traditional rulership are within the exclusive purview of the state government, although through local government authorities, it must be established that traditional institutions constitute a component of our governance structure.
“And thus, traditional institutions must be protected from the arbitrariness of state governments that threaten their stability. When the structure of ascension of traditional rulers is unstable, it will become equally difficult to maintain peace and orderliness in communities.
“Although our constitution, in its current format, does not ascribe any recognition to traditional institutions, yet our experiences show clearly that they perform enormous roles in the economic life of their domains, as well as maintenance of peace and security in communities.
“I wish to remind that the traditional institutions formed the governance structures before the advent of the colonialists. And they governed well. Consequently, they are institutions we must protect and preserve and not destroy.
“It is, therefore, on this basis that I lean towards the advocacy that calls for constitutional reform that will not just recognize traditional institutions in our body of laws but also define the responsibilities of their offices. This reform is even more important in view of the collective drive to stem the ugly tide of terrorism and sundry security challenges at the local levels.
“In conclusion, I must also appeal to state governors to accord the necessary respect to the offices of traditional institutions. The customs that our traditional rulers represent is the totality of our heritage as a people.”
Atiku: State govt arbitrariness against traditional institutions unacceptable
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