From Daniel Abel, Lafia
The Nasarawa State Gubernatorial candidate of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) Abdullahi Yakubu-Maidoya, has promised to give constitutional role to traditional rulers if elected in 2023.
The NNPP candidate made the promise on Thursday during a courtesy call at the Palace of Lawrence Silvester-Ayih, Abaga Toni, Traditional Ruler of Garaku in Kokona Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
Yakubu-Maidoya added that the contribution of traditional rulers to the peaceful coexistence and unity of any society cannot be over emphasised, hence the decision by thier party to give them constitutional roles.
“The traditional rulers are closer to the people at the grassroots than any government and are more accessible to the people.
“The people at the local level usually channel thier problems and needs to the traditional rulers in thier respective areas due to the absence of protocol and bureaucracy.
“Through out history, traditional rulers played significant roles in the sustainace of peace enjoyed in different parts of the country in pre-colonia Nigeria.
“If they are given constitutional role, it would go a long way to addressing infrastructural and security challenges facing the country,” he added.
Yakubu-Maidoya added that the party would also introduce community development programme where traditional rulers would be included in the preparation of the annual budget to ensure equity and fairness in its implementation.
The NNPP gubernatorial candidate advised the electorate to vote for Rabi’u Musa-Kwankwanso, Presidential candidate of the party because of his track record and foresight.
He also urged them to vote for all candidates of the party for better country with strong economy and improved welfare for the citizens.
Responding, Lawrence Silvester-Ayih, Abaga Toni welcomed the governorship candidate and his entourage to his palace and wished them well in thier campaigns.
The traditional ruler also advised the candidate and other politicians to engage in politics of issues and desist from devisive tendencies capable of brewing crisis in the state.
The campaign team also visited different areas of the LGAs and interacted with the people canvassing for support ahead of the 2023 general election.
