Jonathan Reiterates Commitment To Constitutional Role For Traditional Rulers

jonathan-portraitPresident Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday said the Federal Government was collaborating with the National Assembly to create constitutional roles for traditional rulers in the country.

He made this known in his message to a two-day South-East and South-South Traditional Rulers Retreat in Enugu.

Jonathan, who was represented by the Minister of Special Duties, Alhaji Kabir Turaki, said that additional roles for traditional rulers were necessary to enable them to contribute to nation building.

According to him, the roles will also ensure better involvement and participation of the monarchs in issues of governance and administration in the country.

In his speech, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, declared the readiness of traditional rulers to assist governments in the country in the discharge of their duties.

He called on traditional rulers to respect the traditional institution and work together for the development of the country.

The sultan, who said that he was at the retreat to demonstrate his solidarity with traditional rulers in the zones, urged them to embrace and respect cultural values.

“Traditional rulers are not looking for offices to hold; we are trying to help in the discharge of special responsibilities.

“Politicians should look at us as brothers and colleagues to help them perform effectively. We must pray for our country and love one another to ensure unity”, he said.

Abubakar, however, commended the Federal, Lagos and Rivers state governments for combating Ebola Virus.

Earlier in his message, Enugu state governor, Sullivan Chime, said that the retreat was apt as the 2015 elections were fast approaching.

Represented by the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Matters, Pastor Emeka Abugu, Chime urged the traditional rulers to propagate peace and remain custodians of truth in the society. (NAN)