Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
Traditional Rulers have been commended for the maintenance or security and peace in their respective domains.
Governor Agbu Kefas gave the commendation during the the maiden Taraba Summit on Youths, Economy and Security at the Gym hall, Jolly Nyame stadium, Jalingo.
The Governor represented by his Deputy Aminu Alkali said that the resolutions derived from the summit would be put in a booklet for references and Implantation.
“The purpose of the summit is to ensure that Youths are engaged with skills which they will intend train other colleagues.
“I want to thank Traditional Rulers for attending the summit despite their tithe schedules.
“I also want to thank our partners and I am assuring you that suggestions would be put into use for the benefit of the people.
Traditional Rulers spoke their opinions on the way forward. The Emir of Muri, HRH Abbas Tafida, appreciated Governor Kefas Agbu for initiating the idea.
“When the leadership is free from prejudice, the security is free. Since 1988 when I became an Emir, I have never seen a case taking to Court for prosecution, but always end up in death lock.
“The Governor should create time to meet with us for us to discuss issues on the way forward.
He express the need for equiping the security agencies for proper handling of security issues.
“The Security Agencies have no up to date equipments, but the criminals that they want to fight have more sufficient equipments that the Security Agencies.
He disclose that all projects worth millions of naira are awarded to contractors from outside the state.
“No projects worth millions of naira are awarded to indigenous contractors despite that there are competent contractors from the state.
He attributed the fight between communities to ignorance and failure of good governance.
“We believe and hope that we have a governor now that would address the situation.
He pointed out that many Youths have completed various institutions but are unemployed.
“Education is the basic tool to start your life, but the whole idea of taking a job has fail in Nigeria. Youths should engage in various skills without breaking the law.
He disclose that politicians in their quest for power, they make a lot of promises to the people.
“They should avoid promising people of heaven on earth for such lead to crisis. No politician should see wining elections as a revenge of the past.
On his part, the Aku – Uka, HRH Manu Ishaku Adda Ali said that Security of Local Government is vested on Chairmen of the Councils while Traditional Rulers plays little.
“Government should dedicate part of it’s powers to Traditional Rulers to enable them act well.
“Traditional Rulers are handicap in terms of mobilization and therefore we need the support of the government to curtail some of the crisis happening in their domains.
“The government lack political will to implement some of the security issues. You will recommend to government, but no action would be taking.
On his part, the Gara Donga HRH — , said that all the Security Agencies that spoke during the summit only apportion blame on Traditional Rulers while the Chief Security Officers of each local government, is the chairman.
“The constitution of the country did not provide role for us the Traditional Rulers, so we find it difficult to control some issues.
“Politicians train thugs to use them for elections and after using them, they dump them, leaving them with assorted weapons.
Also on his part, Director, Chieftaincy Affairs, Bereau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Benjamin Biassa pointed out that lack of vehicles is the major challenge facing Traditional Rulers in terms of mobilization and takling security issues.
“Traditional Rulers are the parents of the land and close to the masses. Government should assist Traditional Rulers for most of them don’t have vehicles.
While on his part, the Coordinating Chairman of the Summit, Benjamin Bako said that Governor Kefas Agbu is on a mission and vision to the state.
According to him, the summit will be a continuous one targeting Youths in the areas of youth unemployment, Technology, Skills acquisition amongst others.
“Things will go well with the coming of Governor Kefas Agbu as he pilot the affairs of the state. Suggestions were profered by participants and we will approach the Taraba State House of Assembly for a law to be enacted – he said.