The Taraba State Governor, Darius Dickson Ishaku, has presented traditional staff of office to 11 second class chiefs and 37 third class chiefs spread across 12 local councils of the State.
In an occasion held Monday in Jalingo, the Governor said the move was aimed at reinventing the traditional institution which has suffered ‘discontent’ and to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people as well as give every ethnic nationality a sense of belonging.
According to him, “today’s exercise has not foreclosed government’s intention to create more chiefdoms” and that the administration has not only consulted widely but allowed the people to give their inputs.
He charged the traditional rulers to improve security in their domains through constant synergy with security organisations and relevant government agencies. He also cautioned them on political interference
The traditional rulers who were given the staff of office are drawn from communities in 12 local councils namely: Bali, Donga, Gashaka, Gassol, Ibi, Jalingo, Karim Lamido, Lau, Takum, Sardauna, Ussa, Wukari, Yorro, Zing and Yangtu Special Development Area.
In his speech, the Permanent Secretary, Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bello Yero, celebrated the courage and determination of Gov. Ishaku as well as his respect for the traditional institutions. This he said would go into the annals of history.
He further described the governor as one who understood the complexity of the traditional institution in the state. According to Yero, it was the first time in the history of the State that a deliberate approach is adopted to meet the yearnings and aspirations of Tarabans as far as the traditional institution is concerned.