Why I couldn’t empower traditional rulers – Jonathan

Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan  has given reasons why the political elite countered attempts by his administration to amend the constitution and give legal backing to the advisory roles of traditional rulers in the country.

According to Jonathan, the politicians attributed their objections to the anticipated power and political influence the amendment may confer on the traditional rulers in their constituency.

Goodluck Jonathan, stated  this while speaking at the 80th Birthday and 58th years anniversary celebration of His Royal Majesty, King Warri Safigha Joshua Igbugburu, the Ibenabowei of Bomo Kingdom in Bayelsa State, he said though his administration attempted to send an Executive Bill to the National Assembly over the needed constitutional amendment on the role of the traditional rulers, it was dropped after stiff opposition by politicians.

Jonathan, who was commenting on the paper delivered at the event by a prominent poet, Professor Ebiegberi Joe Alagoa, titled “the role of traditional institutions in Leadership and development in Nigeria”, said “when we took over, we met a Traditional Rulers Committee headed by the Sultan of Sokoto. And they only meet at the instance of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. If the SGF like, they meet. If he does like, they don’t meet.”

“I moved to amend that and to upgrade them to the level of playing a constitutional advisory role to the President. They should serve like the Council of States. They don’t compel the President but they advise and the President listens. The President Might not takes the advice but it has been given and could be vital to development. What I planned to do would have been replicated in states and even local governments”.

“When I wanted to send the Bill to the National Assembly, some prominent politicians kicked against the idea. And we dropped the idea because it did not go down well. From the experience, the traditional rulers need to play a key role. The few that the traditional rulers could be more powerful should not be a yard stick for politicians to fear them. They should work with them. “

“It is happening that way because they feel if they keep the traditional institution strong, they may become opposition top their political ambitions. Because the traditional rulers work best with the people and want the best for their people. The Politicians and the Traditional rulers should work together to end the fear and suspicion”

Former President Goodluck Jonathan also commended the celebrant, HRM King Joshua Igbugburu over his achievement on the thrown and as a bridge builder outside the State as the Pro Vice Chancellor of the Federal University in Nasarawa State.

In his paper presentation, Professor Ebiegberi Joe Alagoa, traced the role of the traditional institutions in the issues of culture, religion and development of their domain.

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