The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, on Thursday, presented the Staff of Office to the newly appointed graded Chiefs of the four Chiefdoms of Karu, Kwali, Pai, and Yaba in the FCT.
Installed into the royal stools are the Sa’Karuyi of Karu, HRH Joseph Danfulani Narai; the Esu of Kwali, HRH Luka Ayedoo Nizassan III; the Sarkin Pai, HRH Abubakar Sani Pai; and the Etsu of Yaba, HRH Yakubu Ndatsu.
During the colorful ceremony, which showcased the rich culture of the people of the FCT, the Minister congratulated the newly graded chiefs on their appointments and charged them to take their duties seriously and responsibly.
He reminded the traditional rulers of their role in ensuring peace and security in their various domains and urged them to keep their subjects well-informed about government policies and programs.
“Traditional rulers have a lot of roles to play. You are the closest to the grassroots and you interface with the people more than us. You know what the people feel at home and can tell us whether the government is making an impact or not,” the Minister said.
“You will convey to your subjects what the government is doing and what it is about to do. You are the one to sell government programs and policies to your people. If you convey a wrong message, that is what the people will accept. If you convey the right message, that is what the people will accept. So, you play a very pivotal role. We are here to honor you, and you should also make sure that you take your responsibility very seriously.”
The Minister, who stated that his office serves as a link between the traditional rulers and the President, encouraged the chiefs to be forthright about their demands, assuring them that the government will provide the necessary tools for their work.
He recalled that the requests made by various stakeholders in the FCT Area Councils during earlier security town hall interactions were already being implemented.
“Reach out to us and tell us what you want. We will dialogue with you and ensure those needs are met,” he added.
Speaking further, the Minister said, “Your role is no longer to sit at home. Your role is to bring peace to your domain, ensure security, and inform the government about any issues that need attention.”
Barrister Wike also thanked other traditional leaders present at the ceremony for their support of their colleagues.
He described the event as special, noting that the recognition of the royal chiefs aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Minister acknowledged that the traditional stools were vacant upon his assumption of office and praised the efforts of the FCT Minister of State and the FCT Area Council Chairmen in filling these vacancies.
In her remarks, the Minister of State, FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, thanked Barrister Wike for implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President with the traditional rulers in the FCT. She commended the stakeholders present for their support and commitment to preserving the rich cultural heritage of the FCT, urging the newly appointed chiefs to continue to lead with wisdom and integrity.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, Senator David JimKuta, said the recognition of the newly appointed chiefs was a call to action, emphasizing the work they have ahead in their various domains.
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on FCT, Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara, thanked the FCT Administration for its developmental strides and pledged the continued support of the House of Representatives
Additionally, the Mandate Secretary, FCT Area Council Secretariat, Lawrence Bitrus Garki, noted that the traditional stools had been vacant for 13 months following the demise of the previous chiefs. He added that the newly appointed chiefs emerged in line with traditional customs in the FCT
