Emir of Keffi receives First Class Staff of office

GOVERNOR Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State, on Saturday, installed and presented first class staff of office to the 15^th Emir of Keffi, Dr Shehu Chindo Yamusa III at a colourful ceremony held in Keffi, Keffi Local Government Area of the state.

Al-Makura said the event  marked an important mile-stone in the life of his administration given the vital role the traditional institution played towards ensuring lasting peace and security in the state, adding that it was for the same reason his administration sought constitutional role for the institution.

“Realising the strategic position of our royal fathers, we have since incorporated the traditional institution into the machinery of governance in Nasarawa State by engaging them in the affairs of government at all levels in the state. This has availed government of their wealth of experience and doggedness in our governance of Nasarawa State.

“This synergy has contributed immensely towards the sustenance of peace, tranquility and harmonious coexistence amongst our diverse people. A case in point is the active participation of our royal fathers in the community based conflict resolution mechanism of government in solving the herdsmen/farmers crises in the state.

As you are aware, since our coming on board we have remained consistent in our determination to ensure the inclusion of traditional rulers in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to enable our traditional institution to continue to play its pivotal role as custodians of our traditions, customs, heritage and, indeed, the conscience of the society.

“It is our conviction that when this is done, the traditional rulers will more proactively complement government efforts towards the development of our society.”

The governor also seized the occasion to explain that the northern part of the country cannot e wheedled or provoked into buying the restructuring bandwagon.

“As a corollary to this posture, I wish to say that in spite of numerous provocative statements credited to some unpatriotic elements clocked under the guise of restructuring, I want to assure everyone that a joint committee headed by Honourable Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, the Governor of Sokoto State, comprising Northern Governors and Traditional Rulers would soon come up with a common position that will be in the best interest of not only the North, but Nigeria as a whole”, he added.

He also announced that his administration that has embarked on robust infrastructural development in Keffi and environs, saying “we have networked the city with asphalted roads and completed the abandoned Keffi Modern Market which will open commercial activities for the people.”

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