By George Mgbeleke

Senator Simon Bako Lalong representing Plateau South Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly has maintained that creating constitutional roles for traditional rulers would go a long way in arresting insecurity in the country. He made the remarks while fielding questions from journalists at the Senate Press Corps Centre at the National Assembly Complex, Thursday.

He butressed his claim; “As chairman of the Tinubu/Shettima APC Campaign Council, when we went around, we met traditional rulers who requested for solid roles in the Constitution…These are people who are ready to work to ensure the issue of insecurity (is curtailed) especially using non-kinetic approach…No constitutional roles for them but when there are killings, crisis, they say let’s hold our traditional rulers responsible.”

Regretting that the allocation of the 5% funds to the traditional rulers is hardly enough for them to fuel their vehicles, Lalong tasked the National Assembly to charge the monarchs with assigned responsibilities to enable them to contribute towards arresting the monster of insecurity in Nigeria.

Asked to comment on the relevance of the monarchs in the prevailing civil rule dispensation vis-a-viz what transpired during the first republic parliamentary system of government, the former minister of labour replied;

“We have a fusion (of political dispensations). I was part of the struggle for the approval of the autonomy of the legislature. With a democrat like Tinubu, we’ve had the autonomy of local governments passed by the Supreme Court…

“We continue to struggle… The issue has been trending since 2014 (National Confab) does not mean we lose steam…I hope that with you and me, it will all be over (approval for constitutional roles for traditional rulers) (some day) if it’s for the good of Nigeria… It does not mean we should lose steam.”

Earlier at plenary, Senator Simon Lalong had moved a Bill for an Act to establish the National Council of Traditional Rulers in order to accord them formal recognition.

The Nigerian Senate has passed it for Second Reading.

Lalong, who is the former governor of Plateau State, (2015 – 2023) expressed that traditional rulers are now well-educated, and their advice and opinions on insecurity and other national issues could help the government in meeting the yearnings of citizens.

Said he; “Their formal recognition would as well facilitate their roles and functions,” urging senators to support the bill to be passed into law.

Some senators who expressed reservations about potential conflicts of responsibility cautioned that the bill should clearly distinguish the role of traditional rulers from that of the government to avoid confusion.

Making remarks, Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio highlighted that the bill should clearly spell out the functions of traditional rulers, adding that a public hearing should be conducted to elicit opinions and perspectives before it is brought for a third reading.

Akpabio stated that traditional rulers have what it takes to offer counsel on a diversity of issues that would help the government before passing the bill for the second reading.

The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Establishment to report back in four weeks.

By David Owei,Bayelsa

As part of its mission to protect all persons against human trafficking, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP has reiterated its call for the fight against the scourge of human trafficking.

Bayelsa State Commander, Mrs Abieyuwa Ikhidero made the call during a sensitization campaign with various stakeholders at Ekeki Park, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Mrs Ikhidero who strongly condemned the act and other related offences such as forced labour and exploitation of humans noted that these offences are punishable by law.

She urged residents of the state to be vigilant and cautious of human traffickers who come in the guise of offering employment or greener pastures outside the country.

” We are here again to speak about human trafficking, it is prevalent in Bayelsa State but we can all work together to stop them, if you see something, say something”

The NAPTIP State Commander emphasized that the agency would ensure that violence in public and private life is eliminated hence residents should report such cases.

Also speaking, Executive Director, WOMAN, Lady Eunice Nnachi appealed to parents and guardians to protect their children from human traffickers by ensuring that they are not deceived by fake promises of education and better welfare.

” Parents must be careful and not allow their children to be taken by just any person they do not trust, cases of maltreatment of children should also be reported”

On her part, Founder, DO Foundation, Dise Goddy Harry who expressed displeasure over human trafficking called on residents to always speak up inorder to reduce the scourge in the state.

Administrative Secretary, ENWAF, Ebizimo Agedah commended NAPTIP for their work by providing access to justice against offenders.

Former FIDA Chairperson, Barrister Deme Pamosoo emphasized the need for all persons to report suspected cases of human trafficking.

The campaign was attended by other Non governmental organizations such as Gender Response Initiative Team, Coalition of Women led Organizations and representatives of FIDA, Bayelsa State.

By Uthman Baba-Al-Naseer- Minna

The Gbagyi Forum has pledged to do everything possible to protect and preserve its culture for the development of its people across the entire country.

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Gbagyi Elders Forum (GEF), Elder Peterson Kaura, stated this while presenting the communique of the forum’s meeting at Azzarh Hotel in Minna, the Niger State capital at the weekend.

Elder Peterson Kaura added that the Gbagyi people, known for their rich cultural heritage and significant contributions to Nigeria’s development, face growing threats from urbanization, economic challenges, and political marginalization.

He noted that despite their deep historical roots, there is very little documentation on Gbagyi history, with even fewer records written by the Gbagyi people themselves. This lack of documentation has contributed to the erosion of their cultural identity and historical recognition.

Peterson Kaura emphasized that the Gbagyi people have played a vital role in Nigeria’s development, particularly in the establishment of Northern Nigerian capitals, including Zungeru, Kaduna, and today’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Additionally, Minna, the capital of Niger State, is historically linked to the Gbagyi. Unfortunately, the cherished values of the Gbagyi accommodation, trust, hard work, and hospitality are being exploited. The ownership of ancestral lands in Abuja, Kaduna, and other parts of Nigeria remains a contentious issue.

The elder added that in the past, a significant leadership vacuum hindered Gbagyi unity and political participation, leaving the community vulnerable to socio-political marginalization. The absence of strong leadership allowed external influences to determine the political fate of the Gbagyi people.

He pointed out that economic hardships, lack of infrastructure, and high poverty levels continue to impede the full potential of the Gbagyi people. Without targeted economic empowerment programs, the community remains at a disadvantage compared to other ethnic groups in Nigeria.

He stressed the urgent need for initiatives that promote educational and economic advancement, particularly in the areas of Gbagyi history, cultural heritage, and economic empowerment. Strengthening these areas will ensure that future generations are equipped to preserve and promote Gbagyi traditions.

He, therefore, urged governments at all levels to collaborate and address the insecurity and banditry affecting Gbagyi ancestral lands, particularly in Kaduna, Niger, Kogi, and the FCT. He added that security concerns have displaced many Gbagyi communities, further threatening their cultural survival and economic stability.

The Gbagyi Elders Forum also appreciates President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for appointing Hon. Zephaniah Bitrus Jisalo to his cabinet, representing the Federal Capital Territory. This appointment is a significant step toward recognizing the contributions of the Gbagyi people and promoting inclusivity in governance.

The forum also acknowledges the Federal Government’s continued recognition of the late Ladi Kwali, a renowned Gbagyi potter, whose artistry remains a source of pride and inspiration. Such recognition highlights the need for more efforts to document and promote Gbagyi contributions to Nigeria’s cultural and economic landscape.

“The GEF will work towards fostering unity among Gbagyi communities, ensuring that religious and dialectical differences do not hinder progress,” Elder Peterson Kaura stated.

He added, “A Gbagyi Land Rights Committee will be constituted to engage policymakers and government authorities to address ancestral land ownership issues and secure compensation for displaced communities.”

He also announced that an Economic Development Initiative will be facilitated to promote skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, and job creation.

Elder Peterson Kaura further urged the Federal Government to expedite the completion of the Sarkin-Pawa to Kaduna Road to enhance security and economic activities.

The Gbagyi Elders Forum remains committed to collaborating with all levels of government and other stakeholders to tackle the challenges facing the Gbagyi people. By fostering inclusivity, recognition, and representation, the GEF believes it can help build a more just, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria.

The GEF expresses deep appreciation to the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Comrade Yakubu Garba; Hon. Minister of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, Hon. Zephaniah B. Jisalo; and Senator Philip T. Aduda for their moral and material support in hosting the historic unveiling of the GEF. Special recognition is also given to Dr. Gaza Dogara Gomna and Lawrence Atafache Garki for their facilitation, technical services, and support.

The GEF extends gratitude to the numerous Gbagyi individuals who attended the event, reaffirming its commitment to working collaboratively to ensure cultural preservation, economic advancement, and political inclusion. The Board of Trustees of the Gbagyi Elders Forum has agreed to convene the First Annual Gbagyi Cultural Festival on February 5-8, 2026, with further details to be announced later.