Insecurity: Need for traditional leaders involvement

Nigeria is spectacularly sick in many ways than one. Insecurity remains the most challenging problem of mankind despite humanity’s outstanding and unsurpassed advancement in the field of science and technology, the world has been moving from one form of horrendous crime to another such as kidnapping, militancy, assassinations, gansterism and of course the raging insurgency in dimensions hitherto to unknown in Nigeria, become the order of the - day that have taken over our national discourse.

The traditional rulers are the gatekeepers of any society and also the catalyst for - socio economic development and the custodian of culture and values and also served as political symbol of unity and power.

Nigeria has not been able to meet the United Nation’s requirement which is one policeman to 400 people. The number we have now is grossly inadequate and this little number we have are attached to politicians and other government officials.

Therefore involving traditional institution in security procedures is very vital to any country because they are more relevant in ensuring peace, stability and wellbeing of every given society and also play a vital role in nation building in the contemporary Nigeria situation from the local to federal level.

The 1999 constitution traditional rulers are not even represented in the council of state. But the wording of the 1989 constitution with respect to the council of chief is exactly the same as 1979 constitution.

The failure of security agencies to respond appropriately to the conventional security expectations is not only a sign of weakness but the failure of Nigeria as a nation.

In addition, Nigeria security especially with the burgeoning population growth can be improved by involving the traditional rulers in security matters because most occupants of traditional stools are highly qualified and experienced personalities whose wealth of knowledge is a great asset for development purposes is not in doubt and they know who comes in and goes out of their domains. They also understand the requirement of their domains as it relates to the maintenance of law and order.

Therefore the role of traditional rulers in the security matters in this country can’t be over emphasized. My humble advice to the National Assembly is to enact laws which will fully involve the traditional rulers in security matters because by so doing it will minimize the security problem across our mother land.

Bello Shehu Shuni, Sokoto