You can’t run govt where traditional rulers are neglected – UniCal don tells federal, state governments

Professor Enang Ebingha

By Akpan David, Calabar

A University of Calabar don, Prof Enang Ebingha of the department of sociology has asserted that both federal and state governments in the country should not continue to neglect the traditional institution.

He insisted that government be run with specific roles to traditional rulers who closest to the people, and who are always call to account whenever there are communal strives.

 He spoke in Calabar at a Thanksgiving and cultural events organised by Nkonib Ikot Ansa Qua Clan traditional Council.

Ebingha who delivered a paper with the topic Traditional Institution  in the 21st century – Drivers of sustainable development, said “I advocate strongly that traditional rulers be given constitutional roles in governments. 

“You cannot continue to run a government  were custodians of tradition, who know the real people well, are continually neglected, but only invited to explain why communal clashes occur.

“There should always be recourse to the traditional institution.  They can help check problems of insecurity  in the country because they know everybody in their communities.”

He maintained that they should be made to be part of all development processes.

He said traditional has to do with things of the past which are open to reforms.

According to him, what we practise today as democracy from the Western World were fall out from philosophers of old about systems of governance in Europe. “We can also refine our traditions into our system of rule.”

Reacting, when he inaugurated the Paramount Rulers of Akamkpa, Ikom and Obudu Local Government Areas at the Traditional Rulers Council Chambers in Calabar, Governor Bassey Otu said, “a lot of people do not know that if our traditional custodians do not wish us well, then things would not be well. But if they do, the sky would not be a limit.”

The governor said traditional rulers in the State were critical stakeholders in his government, noting that their pride of place in the development of the society cannot be overemphasised. 

“Your roles as traditional rulers in your various Local Government Areas are very important, particularly as security is key to development. When there is no peace, there can hardly be development. 

Otu said his administration would build the status of traditional rulers and take them to a position of respect.

“We want to build a veritable society where the respect and right of place and position would be enjoyed by our Paramount Rulers.

“Partisan politics have gone with the elections. This is time for effective governance of the State. The programmes we have are going to touch every local government area, nook and crannies of the State. It is going to be very impactful,” Governor Otu stated.

Mr Kenneth Assim ita, executive Secretary of Calabar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the second keynote speaker spoke on youth responsibility to community development.

There were several cultural and traditional displays from Annang in Akwa Ibom State, from Yakurr LGA and dancing troupes from Calabar Municipality.