With the spate of security challenges rocking some states in the country especially at the rural areas, close ties of Traditional institutions to the communities can provide valuable insights into potential threats and security concerns thereby allowing for proactive measures in tackling the menace.
It is believed that working with modern governments, traditional rulers can play a vital role in promoting peace, stability and good governance within their communities, hence the need for the institutions to be integrated into modern governance structures to enhance their effectiveness and legitimacy, while also modernising their operations.
This was the submission of keynote speakers at a one day capacity building seminar by the Supreme Forum of Government Ikwerre Traditional Rulers with the theme “The Nexus of Traditional Rulers and Modern Governments: Security Concerns.
The capacity building was organised to address the seeming challenges often encountered by traditional institutions in the emerging modern government, and the need for the institutions to be formally recognised
and incorporated into the nation’s constitutional frameworks.
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A guest speaker and traditional Ruler of Upata Kingdom in Ahoada East Local Government Area, His Majesty, Eze Felix Otuwarikpo said modern governments should recognize the potential contributions of traditional rulers while also ensuring that their actions are consistent with the rule of law and democratic principles.
Eze Otuwarikpo, however, called for the establishment of structured frameworks that would foster active collaboration between traditional rulers, local governments, and security agencies at both state and
national levels to address insecurity, youth restiveness, and communal disputes.
Traditional Ruler of Upata Kingdom stressed the need for periodic training and sensitisation programs for traditional institutions to strengthen their knowledge on governance protocols, security trends, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
Also, another guest speaker, the chairman of Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, Rivers State, Reverend Francis Asuk advised that traditional rulers should intensify efforts in community engagement, mobilizing local vigilantes, youth groups, and civil society actors to enhance early warning systems and mitigate emerging threats.
On his part, Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, His Majesty, Eze Gbakagbaka, appealed to the Rivers State Government and relevant federal bodies to provide legal and policy backing for traditional institutions in line with best practices that recognise their roles in governance and security.
Eze Gbakagbaka, who is also the chairman ofthe Supreme Forum of Government-Recognised Ikwerre Traditional Rulers, reiterated their collective resolve to serve as bridges of trust, unity, and stability
between the people and the government.
The event was well attended by Traditional rulers, including the administrator of port Harcourt city local government, Dr Sam Kalagbor, and the media.
