Governor Nasir El-Rufa’i of Kaduna State said his administration has drafted a bill to reposition the traditional institution to serve the people better.
The governor said the contents of the draft bill have been shared with all the graded emirates and chiefdoms who have made comments on the aspects that are of interest to them.
He thanked the leaders of the traditional institution for their feedback and welcomed the chance to further discuss the matter.
The governor, who was speaking in Kaduna at the quarterly meeting of the Kaduna State Council of Chiefs on Wednesday, said that it is time to replace the colonial law that is still in use.
Discussing the purpose of the meeting, El- Rufai disclosed that the bill has been forwarded to the traditional rulers to study and make observations where necessary.
“This meeting has been convened to discuss some of the grey areas of the bill Your Highnesses may observe before the transmission of the bill to the Kaduna State House of Assembly,” he said.
The governor called on the Royal Fathers “to contribute effectively to the deliberations on this very important document that will shape the future of the traditional institution and restore its fading glory.’’
El-Rufai also enjoined the traditional rulers to continue sensitizing their respective communities to see intelligence gathering and sharing information as acts of personal responsibility.
The governor condoled the traditional rulers over the demise of its immediate past chairman, His Highness Alhaji Dr Shehu Idris.
“The death of the Emir Idris was a monumental loss to the government and people of Kaduna state in view of his invaluable contributions to 20 successive state administrations in fostering peace and harmonious coexistence of our diverse people,’’ he said.
El-Rufai also recalled that Kaduna state has lost other prominent members of the council such as Alhaji Ja’afaru Abubakar Kauru, Emir of Kauru, Brigadier-General Abubakar Garba Muhammad, Emir of Lere, Iliya Ajiya Antang, Chief of Godogodo, the Chief of Barde, Mr Sako Gajere and most recently, the Chief of Kudaru, Mr Ishaku Sabo Damina.
He prayed for the Almighty Allah to “comfort their families and this council and give us the courage to bear the irreparable loss.”
