FCT Minister, WikeThe Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, on Thursday, August 1, 2024, presented Staff of Office to newly appointed graded Chiefs of the four Chiefdoms of Karu, Kwali, Pai and Yaba in the FCT.
Those 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.
This was contained in a statement signed and issued by Anthony Oginleye, Director of Press Affairs in the office of the FCT minister dated August 1, 2024
The statement further said 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 that they have a role to play in ensuring peace and security in their various domains and urged them to also ensure that their subjects are well informed about the policies and programs of government.
“The Minister said, “Let me say that traditional rulers have a lot of roles to play. You are the closest to the grassroots. You interface with the people more than us. You are the ones who know what the people feel at home. You are the ones who will tell us whether the government is making any impact or not.
“You will convey to your subjects what the government is doing and what the government 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 honour you and you should also make sure that you take your responsibility very seriously”.
The Minister who also stated that his office is a link between the traditional rulers and the President, encouraged them to be forthright about their demands, assuring that the government will do all that it can to provide the tools that the traditional rulers require to work for their people.
He recalled that the requests made by the various stakeholders in the FCT Area Councils during the earlier security town hall interactions were already being implemented as agreed.
“ Reach out to us and tell us this is what you want. We will be able to dialogue with you and make sure those things you want and provided”.
Speaking further, the Minister said, “Your role is no longer to sit at home. Your role is now to make sure you bring peace to your domain. You make sure security is provided. You make sure to inform the government that there are things you observe that the government should come in and see what they can do, which is very key.
Barr. Wike also thanked other traditional leaders in the FCT present at the ceremony for their show of support to their colleagues.
He described the event as special, saying the recognition of the royal chiefs was in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Minister recalled that the traditional stools were vacant on his assumption of office and acknowledged the efforts of the FCT Minister of State, as well as the FCT Area Council Chairmen which he said helped in filling the vacant stools.
