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Muhammadu Idrissa, the emir of Fika and
chairman of Yobe State Council of Chiefs on Monday called on the
federal government to accord traditional rulers the privilege of being
recognised in the Nigerian constitution.

Speaking to aviation correspondents at
the General Aviation Terminal of the Murtala Mohammed Airport (MMA),
Lagos, the emir, who is also the chancellor of University of Uyo,
disclosed that the development will enable the local leaders to
efficiently assist the government in daily governance.

“As an advocate of rural development,
it is my considered opinion that traditional rulers should be accorded
constitutional recognition such that they should assist in their
advisory capacity to help in the day to day running of government,” he
said.

The monarch stated that traditional
rulers were closer to the people, and where therefore better positioned
to address their needs. “They are very close to the people, they know
their problems, and they will advise government on how to dispense the
funds appropriately with a view to seeing to all round development of
the areas,” he said.

“Government should think about giving
constitutional recognition to the role of traditional rulers so that in
their advisory capacity they can urge elected leaders on how to
dispense funds meant for community related projects judiciously.”

The emir regretted that traditional
rulers currently do not have much impact in their domain because they
do not have the required political backing, stating that they
subsequently concerned themselves only with traditional matters.

“If given the chance, traditional leaders can influence a lot of
things,” he said. “But at the moment there is not much control
politically in all tiers of government, for they are only concerned
about traditional matters and culture. If given the chance
constitutionally, they will make positive impact.”