A case has made for the control of local government council by traditional rulers.
This according to the Asagba of Asaba,
Obi (Prof) Chike Edozien, would lead to more effective and efficient administration.
The Asaba monarch made the call today when the PDP standard flag bearer paid the royal father a courtesy call in his palace.
He argued that the current poverty and insecurity experienced were traceable to inefficient local government administration.
Said the Asagba ,:’
“I have watched for the past days, the campaign of the PDP here in Asaba, and today, you have continued to commission projects in Asaba and has given us the opportunity of receiving you.
“For many years, we remember that you have always associated with us and we are also delighted not only for this long standing association, but that you have selected one of our sons, our governor, to be your running mate.
“We thank you and we appreciate that choice. We wish you the best in this election and when you succeed, there are one or two things we expect of you and it is my responsibility to remind you.
“By all yardsticks in the economy of the world, Nigeria is not a poor country, but unfortunately, the statistics show that Nigeria is one of the largest poverty capitals of the world.
“Perhaps, the insecurity in the country in combination with poverty, points to the collapse of the local government system; which needs attention,”
He prayed for reforms that will give traditional rulers constitutional roles.
“My expectation in this reform of the local system of the country, is the return of the local government system to the traditional institutions.
“I think that should be the focus of that reform. The people of this country have lived time immemorial, with their kings and traditional rulers and to change the traditional system into a political system, is the worst change that has befallen this country since independence.
“And, I hope that the change to return the traditional rulers to the old system succeeds. Recently in Saudi Arabia, the phenomenal success of seven Emirates points to the fact that the kingship system can survive and bring prosperity to the people.
“It is therefore, imperative that the return of the traditional institutions to local government administration would solve the problem of poverty and insecurity in the country,” the monarch stated.
While addressing the Asagba and his council,Atiku pledged constitutional review and devolution of powers that would give specific functions to traditional rulers.
In the entourage of the PDP were the vice presidential candidate of the party and Governor of Delta, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa; National Chairman of the party, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu; former Vice President, Namadi Sambo; former President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, Governors Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto; Emmanuel Udom of Akwa-Ibom and Douye Diri of Bayelsa .
