A lecturer in the department of Political Science and International Relations at the University of Abuja, Prof Iro Uke, has asked the Federal Government to work with traditional institutions in Nigeria to maintain peace in their locality, by providing them with the legal and constitutional backing for their roles.
Prof Uke’s position was strengthened by the Director, Sultan Maccido Institute for Peace, Leadership and Development, UNIABUJA, Dr Mutiullah Olasupo, who asked the government to provide security allocation for traditional institutions to enable them to mobilise the people for the maintenance of security.
The dons, in separate papers presented at the University of Abuja Political Science and International Relations Department second roundtable, argued that peace can be promoted through reliance on traditional authorities, with their leaders who are conferred with the culture of the people.
The roundtable with the theme: ‘Promoting peace through traditional authorities, citizens’ consultation and participation in Nigeria’, with support from Rosa Luxemburg Foundation West Africa, highlighted the roles played by traditional rulers to promote peace in their communities.
Prof Uke, who noted that peace is needed in Nigeria to keep the country as one, warned that military or kinetic method alone could not bring peace.
Uke said: “Peace can be promoted through reliance on traditional authorities, with their leaders who are conferred with the culture of the people. Also, citizens’ consultation promotes peace by expanding the political space and improving the trust of the citizens of their government. Participation of women and youth is very imperative for inclusive governance which consolidates democracy and promotes peace and development.
“Government should implement the affirmative action of at least 30 percent women inclusion in elective and appointive positions in governance.
“Government should involve the youths in governance by allocating 20 percent of elective and appointive positions to the youths for a start.”
Dr Olasupo urged the federal government and security agencies to partner traditional rulers to obtain information on security matters in their area.
The don, who is an Associate Professor of Policy Analysis and Security Studies, said: “The traditional rulers should be partnered by the government and security agencies to obtain information on security matters in an area. Such information should be treated with utmost secrecy.