Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has promised to engage with the traditional rulers in the ongoing constitutional amendment process to elicit their contributions.
Kalu who is the Chairman, Constitution Review Committee in the House said that the traditional institutions has an invaluable input in meeting the aspirations of the people under the law, saying it will in turn strengthen the Constitution of the country.
The Deputy Speaker made the promise in Kano during his separate visits to the Emir of Kano, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Aminu Ado Bayero and the Emir of Bichi, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Nasir Ado on Saturday in Kano State to felicitate the revered monarchs on the recent occasion of the marriage ceremonies of their respective children.
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Speaking at the palace of the Emir of Kano which was his first port of call, Kalu who was accompanied by some of his colleagues from the parliament and also the members of the Peace In South East Project ( PISE-P) said that the wisdom of the traditional rulers cannot be ignored in shaping the country.
He said that a role under the law which does not come “from the federal government, not from the state or local government but from the Constitution” will help the traditional rulers to be able to do their jobs “without biases”.
Congratulating the Emir on the holy matrimony of his children, Kalu also appreciated him for coming to Bende, Abia State last December during his grand civic reception and the unveiling of PISE-P, a development which mainly necessitated the presence of PISE-P members at the place.
A statement from Kalu’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Levinus Nwabughiogu stated that the Deputy Speaker also expressed gratitude to the Emir for his effort towards the sustenance of peace in the country, appealing to him to continue to support the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He said: “We came to give our best wishes to the new family that just started yesterday. They will live long and give you children, grand and great grand children. They will not be lesser than you. They will be greater than you because that’s the wish of every parent, that his children will grow and become greater, more powerful than themselves. That’s how you measure your success. That’s my prayer. I apologize that I didn’t make it not because that I didn’t want to but a national duty called.
“You play a fundamental role in this this nation and peace in the land. You have a role to play in making sure that that we imbibe this agenda. Thank you for the support you are giving to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is very obvious that you are partnering with the federal government to ensure there is peace and prosperity in this country. Keep doing what you are doing. It’s yielding fruits”.
In his response, the Emir of Kano, Dr Ado Bayero expressed gratitude to the Deputy Speaker for the visit, describing him as the worthy son of Nigeria.
The Emir noted that Kalu’s visit will further strengthen the bonds of national unity and cohesion mostly yearned for by Nigerians.
He also appreciated the Deputy Speaker for carrying the traditional rulers along in the constitution review process, assuring him that the institution made up of individuals with invaluable experience will make their contributions.
The Emir also offered prayers for political leaderships at all levels and the continued peace and progress of Nigeria.
Similarly, at the palace of the Emir of Bichi, Alhaji Nasir Ado Bayero in Kano, the Deputy Speaker also felicited the Emir, congratulating him on the marriage of their children.
Describing him as a valued friend and brother, Kalu recalled the Emir’s role in the launch of PISE-P, appreciating him for flying in from abroad at the time to attend his civic reception in December, 2023.
In his remarks, the Emir thanked the Deputy Speaker for his visit to the palace and the support for the growth of the traditional institution in Nigeria, recognizing the efforts of the parliament in keeping Nigeria together.
