A Senior Lecturer in the Department of Local Government and Development Studies, Ahmadu Bello University, Kongo Campus, Zaria, Dr Dalhatu Jumare, has commended the Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, for the suspension of a traditional ruler who was arrested at the airport over drug-related offence.

He said it was an appropriate step for the purpose of upholding best behaviour and discipline among public office holders, and to sustain public confidence in traditional institution, which is a vital organ of administration at the grassroots level.

Dr Jumare, an expert on local government administration, who stated this during an interview, noted: “Traditional institutions are public institutions saddled with great responsibility; no responsible government would look on while they are degraded as a result of conduct that is unbecoming of a traditional ruler. The public naturally expects the government to be swift in dealing with misconduct among leaders and, as such, the action of the governor serves the best interest of the public.”

It would be recalled that Governor el-Rufai, through his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Samuel Aruwan, last Thursday, announced the suspension of the Village Head of Goma in Gimi District of Danga Local Government Area, Alhaji Danladi Ibrahim, “over a

drug-related offence.” The traditional ruler was said to have been in possession of 1.5kg of marijuana (India hemp) when he was arrested by the operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on January 20, 2015. The government had said it took the action as a “demonstration of its campaign against drugs.”

The statement added that Alhaji Ibrahim admitted ownership of the illegal drug, and “the NDLEA subsequently notified the Kaduna State Security Council of the

arrest of the traditional ruler. While deliberating on the matter, the council recommended his suspension from office pending the conclusion of investigations and possible trial. The government accepted the recommendation.”

According to Jumare, being in possession of Indian hemp is unacceptable in whatever form. “The illegality of the act is uncalled for, as a father of the people and custodian of tradition. These are things (forbidden) even in the simple rule of ‘Dos and Don’ts’. These are things that are prohibited outright; not only by the government, but by culture, religion and what have you.”

He said that the action taken by the government is the best under the prevailing circumstances; given that the action of the traditional ruler could cast doubt on leadership across the state.

“Yes, the public would like the government to react. So the action of the governor is good. But then, what I expect the traditional Council of Chiefs to do is for this matter to be brought to them, and to hear what they are going to say. Even if it means setting up an enquiry to

investigate. This will go a long way, at least, in helping the matter,” Jumare said.

He buttressed his position that the case is bad for the image of tradition institution if the traditional ruler is eventually found guilty, by referring to the respected status the nation’s constitution accords traditional rulers.

His words: “Within the ambit of the law, the current constitutional role of traditional rulers is basically advisory. They have to advise the local government, the state government, and the Federal Government on issues that affect the local people, particularly on the issues of security. Local government regulations stipulate that they should be members of security committees that are formed in local government councils; the law says that in every local government there should be a security committee comprising the traditional rulers. At the state level too, there is the security committee, also comprising traditional rulers. So if you look at the 1979 Constitution, the role of traditional rulers has been reduced to this basic function. They are more or less like fathers, custodians of tradition, customs and beliefs, as well as providing guidance on certain issues that crop up no matter the nomenclatures of the issues. They are expected to advise the government accordingly, particularly issues that have to do with the people, life, security, property and the rest.”

Besides the action taken by the state governor and the interventions of the Council of Chiefs, the ABU don noted that if the Village Head in question is found guilty of the allegations, the traditional manner of handling such matters among the people of the affected area should be allowed to follow its due course.

He averred: “There is a way of succession; the people there have their laws; every community has its own traditional laws. So, they (his people) would go to that law. And his people can tell that if their traditional ruler is found wanting of A,B,C, the penalty is suspension, impeachment, replacement, or demotion. They have their own traditional laws.”

•Photo shows Governor El-Rufai.