By Mu’azu Abubakar Albarkawa, Kaduna
The Speaker House of Representatives, Abbas Tajuddeen on Saturday in Zaria said the 10th Assembly would revisit the bills seeking constitutional roles for traditional rulers.
The speaker disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Zazzau Malam Ahmed Bamalli.
He said the visit was a homecoming to seek royal blessings, guidance and prayers from the royal father.
Tajuddeen who was accompanied by over 70 members and some leadership of the house of representatives told the emir that the visit was to also appreciate the support and prayers received from his Constituency and Nigerians.
“We are here to also seek for advises from you the traditional rulers.
“I want to also intimate you that we will revisit the recommendations of the bill submitted by the traditional rulers seeking for a constitutional roles and ensure that the bill is passed.
In his response, the emir noted that the traditional rulers had played several developmental roles at the pre-independent and post independent Nigeria, as such their roles can not be over emphasized.
He also noted with dismay that some politicians were initially against Bill seeking constitutional roles for the traditional rulers on the premise that such roles would amount to creating another tier of government.
The emir said it was not true that assigning constitutional roles to the traditional rulers amount to creating another tier of government.
The royal father said an extensive deliberation on the issue was held in Kaduna under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto.
He added that a committee headed by Emir of Lafia Nasarawa State, who was a former Justice of Supreme Court drafted the bill which was eventually not passed by the national assembly.
“We are therefore appealing to the 10th assembly to revisit the bill and ensure its speedy passage towards enhancing security, growth and national development.” he said.
recalls that after courtesy visit to the emir, the speaker held an interactive session with people of Zaria Federal Constituency.