A member of the House of Representatives from Nasarawa State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdulmumin Ari, has urged stakeholders to support the bill for an “Act to establish the National Council for Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) and for Related Matters.”

In a statement on Sunday, Mr Ari said that the lower legislative chamber was considering the bill seeking legal framework to strengthen operations of NCTRN to enhance social cohesion

He said that as custodians of peoples’ culture, tradition, values, morals and beliefs, traditional rulers serve as vanguards in ensuring peaceful co-existence and unity.

The lawmaker said that as the umbrella body of traditional rulers, NCTRN also promotes economic development among diverse citizens and ethnic groups in the country.

He recalled that NCTRN was formed and formally registered as an incorporated trustee with the corporate affairs commission in 2013 to function as an umbrella body of traditional rulers.

Mr Ari, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Traditional Institutions, said the bill, which had scaled second reading in the house, sought legal backing for the council and its operations.

“The bill seeks to create a register of traditional rulers in the country and to advance the role of traditional institutions in maintaining national stability, peace and unity.

“It seeks the establishment of the state and local government traditional councils in the federation and provide standing orders at all levels that will regulate the conduct of its members and proceedings at meetings.

“The bill seeks to constitute a judicial committee of the council that will handle matters on any offence(s) level against any traditional ruler, ” he said.

Mr Ari said that when the bill becomes law, removal of traditional rulers from the throne must be referred to the judicial committee of the council for approval.

According to him, the importance of the body cannot be over-emphasised in the march toward a peaceful society.

The lawmaker urged stakeholders to support the bill, especially at the public hearing stage.

(NAN)