Kogi State Government has charged traditional rulers in the State to checkmate the increasing waves of crime in their domain.
The Kogi State Governor, Capt. Idris Wada gave the charge at the annual conference of Chiefs held in Lokoja, Kogi State with the theme; The implications of Kogi State Chiefs Laws No 23 of 2006 on the administration of contemporary traditional institutions in Kogi State.
Capt. Idris Wada described reports of armed robbery, kidnapping, thefts and assassinations as alien to the people and culture, urged the traditional rulers to rise and halt these criminal activities.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Yomi Awoniyi, described as distributing the refusal by Area and Local Government Traditional Councils to recognize the appointments of some graded Chiefs duly approved by the State Executive Council.
The Governor warned such Chairmen taking laws into their hands and to flout the State Government decisions to stop forthwith and to allow peace reign in their domains.
He advised those dissatisfied with any appointment of traditional ruler to seek redress through legitimate means rather than employ unlawful means to cause acrimony and incitement against the Government.
Capt. Wada solicited the continuous prayers and support for his administration from the Royal Fathers assured that his Government will continue to accord the traditional institution in the State the desired recognition.
The Governor assured that he will continue to create more befitting environment for traditional rulers, said his administration has renovated many palaces of 1st Class Chiefs across the State while more palaces he said are being processed for renovation in due course.
While assuring that he will address issues of grading and upgrading of Traditional Stools in the State on merit and in the interest of justice and fairness, Capt. Wada promised to sustain government policy of offsetting the burial expenses of deceased Royal fathers.
Similarly, efforts the Governor stated is on to provide official vehicles to traditional rulers yet to be given, said his administration recognizes the importance of the traditional institution and the vital roles they play in the attainment of government development objectives.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the Kogi State Council of Chiefs, HRM, Ameh Oboni III, the Attah Igala, said the conference is a further commitment of the traditional ruler’s commitment to the order, peace and tranquility in the State.
The Royal Father disclosed that the conference will help build the capacity and empower traditional rulers in the State with strategic techniques of ensuring peace and harmony, as well as helping them to develop zero tolerance for Anarchy within their domains.
The Royal Father, commended the State Government’s effort at improving the welfare of traditional rulers in the State, assured of their continues support, advise and prayers.
In his welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alh Yunusa Sule Ilani said the conference is a deliberate effort aimed at enhancing peaceful co-existence among the various people of the State using the traditional rulers.
The Permanent Secretary urged them reflect on the terms and function of development as stated in their letters of appointment by ensuring peace in their domain.
In his remarks, the CEO Jumai Management Consultant, Joel Akowe, said the conference is aimed at reviewing law No 23,2006 as it relates to the traditional Institution,the role the play in modern day governance.
The conference he also added will look at the interrelationship of traditional administration and government in maintaining peace to thrive in the state, commended the vital place the present administration places on the traditional institutions.
