Chairman of the Revenue Allocation Mobilization and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Mohamed Shehu, has highlighted the vital role of traditional rulers, describing them as not only custodians of tradition and culture but also pillars of stability and development in Nigeria.
In a statement issued by RMAFC’s Head of Information and Public Relations, Maryam Yusuf, Shehu made these remarks during a courtesy visit by traditional rulers from Nasarawa State, led by His Royal Highness Abdullahi Amegwa, the Osana of Keana, in Abuja.
Shehu noted that before the colonial era, traditional rulers were the governing authority in various Nigerian societies, shaping the system of government at the time.
He further emphasised the significant contributions of traditional leaders, not only in preserving culture and traditions but also as key agents of development in the formation of what is now Nigeria.
According to Shehu, these roles remain invaluable today.
In light of this, he stressed the importance of recognizing the rightful position of royal fathers and granting them a more substantial role that would enable them to contribute more effectively to national development.
According to Shehu “We did not get things right with the Local Government (LG) reforms of 1976 and we did not get it right with the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) but I only hope and pray that the present attempt at reforming the Constitution will place a bigger role on the traditional rulers and be able to also find a way not only to fund it but to sustain it so that they will be able to hold the society together as they have done over the years.”
Earlier, Samson Yare, the Chun Mada of Akwanga, speaking on behalf of the delegation’s leader, revealed that their engagement with the commission stemmed from deliberations held by the Council of Chiefs in Nasarawa State.
These deliberations were subsequently endorsed by the Executive Governor, His Excellency, Engineer Abdullahi Sule.
He explained that the delegation was at the commission to request that the constitutionally approved 5 per cent allocation to local governments, meant for traditional councils, be deducted at the source and allocated directly to the respective traditional rulers.
This, he emphasised, would ensure proper accountability and compliance.
The royal father said, “Even with the improvement in statutory allocation, the 5 per cent allocated to Traditional Councils has continued to experience decline and that for us is a serious concern. This called for the interface and pleading from the traditional council for the commission to consider deducting the 5% charge from the source and disbursing it to the traditional councils. Past experiences show that the Modus operandi of deductions where any kind of formula is applied concerning the implementation strategy is unacceptable. “
He praised President Bola Tinubu for his resilience and courage in aligning with the grassroots to ensure that local governments, the third tier of government, are given their rightful place of pride.
This follows the Supreme Court ruling that granted financial autonomy to local governments, as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.
Additionally, he congratulated the Chairman and members of the Commission for being entrusted with the responsibility to serve the nation in such a significant capacity.
During the event, several members and directors of the Commission underscored the importance of establishing a clear policy regarding the deduction and allocation of the 5% entitlement to traditional councils.
After thorough discussions, the royal fathers were encouraged to submit a formal letter to the Presidential Committee on Local Government Autonomy, copying the Commission, to offer actionable recommendations to the Committee.
