From Maiharaji Altine, Gusau
Traditional rulers in Zamfara state have commended the efforts of an NGO called ‘The Pastoral Resolve’ (PARE) for promoting lasting peace in the country particularly in rural areas.
The traditional rulers made the commendation today during a retreat on Interest Based Negotiation and Alternative Dispute Resolutions Sensitisation workshop organised by the NGO in Karma hotel Gusau, Zamfara state today.
The monarchs who spoke separately during the workshop described The Pastoral Resolve’ as a bridge builder towards ending the lingering Insecurity in the northern part of the country.
In his submission, the Emir of Anka, Alhaji Attahiru Mohammed Ahmad said, the country was in dire need of such NGOs, nothing however that, there were serious challenges in the country that were contributing towards Insecurity challenges.
One of the problems contributing to insecurity according to the Emir were, total neglect to the traditional institutions.
He said, “Traditional rulers in the country have been relegated to the background”.
“We are completely neglected by the government and that is why we lost our position as leaders and fathers of our people”.
According to the Emir, traditional rulers who were closed to the people were not involved in the administrative issues such as the fight against insurgency and banditry and that was why the problems have defied solution.
He Maintained that, as leaders who were very close to their subjects, traditional rulers were supposed to be given constitutional responsibility not just ceremonial leaders.
“If the government is really serious on the fight against insurgency and banditry, traditional rulers must be given their rightful position”.
“We are very closed to our people, we know the people that are fermenting trouble in our areas and we can address Insecurity and other criminal activities if given our rightful position”. Concluded the Emir.
Also speaking, the Emir of Bungudu, Alhaji Hassan Attahiru Bungudu said poverty, illiteracy, injustice, discrimination were some of the major factors militating against government’s efforts in fighting insurgency and banditry in the country.
He described Hajiya Khadijah Jawabi as a talented woman who knew much about the insecurity challenges of the country as well as how to address them.
“She is a resourceful woman with good brain which indicates that, what a man can do, a woman can also do it”.
In his contribution, the Emir of Mafara, Alhaji Bello Barmu said, there was need for the government to pay attention to the education of the Fulani herdsmen as well as providing them with social amenities.
According to the Emir, the Fulani herdsmen were completely illeterates who behave like animals and can do anything bad due to ignorance.
Speaking earlier, the Permanent Commissioner, Peace Commission, Kaduna, Hajiya Khadijah Hawaji explained how the Fulani were seriously marginalised in the country.
She stressed that the Fulani were forced to go into banditry and other forms of criminal activities following unfair and unjust treatment they got from both the government and the people of the country.
According to her, the Fulani were denied their rights as well as maltreated, as such, they resorted to violence.
Khadija cited examples with what happened to the Fulani in Plateau, Kaduna and other states where they lost several lives and properties.
She therefore called on appropriate authorities and other Nigerians to treat the Fulani with fairness.
