Abbas: Tinubu engaging traditional rulers to strengthen security, governance

Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of representatives, says President Bola Tinubu is engaging traditional rulers to strengthen security and governance in line with his renewed hope agenda.

According to a statement issued by Musa Krishi, media aide to the speaker, Abbas spoke in Lagos on Sunday at the handover of utility vehicles to traditional rulers in the southern part of the country.

The speaker added that the economic reforms introduced by the president are beginning to yield visible gains despite the difficulty experienced initially by citizens.

Abbas, who facilitated the handing over of the vehicles through the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), noted that economic measures rolled out by the administration had been “tough but necessary” and required patience and sacrifice.

He said the policy direction had led to “gradual stabilisation of exchange rates, improved fiscal discipline, growth in agriculture, better revenues for states, and a return of investor confidence”, adding that the improvements indicated that “the path we are on is the right one”.

Speaking on the utility vehicles, Abbas said similar interventions earlier in the year had reached traditional rulers across Ekiti, Ogun, Osun, Edo, Delta, Ebonyi, Imo, Sokoto, Kaduna, Niger, Taraba, Nasarawa states and the federal capital territory (FCT).

The latest beneficiaries included the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, the Onikate of Ikate, the paramount ruler of Okobo land in Akwa Ibom, Igwe Fidelis Ogbu of Enugu, Igwe Robert C. of Anambra, Oba Arole-Agbala of Ondo and the Ede of Ekiti.

‘TRADITIONAL PILLARS MUST BE RESPECTED’

The speaker said the gesture was a recognition of the vital role traditional leaders play in peacebuilding, conflict mediation, interfaith harmony, cultural preservation and local development.

“We remain firmly convinced that the cultural and traditional pillars of Nigeria must be supported, respected, and empowered because a stable nation begins with strong, trusted institutions at the grassroots,” the statement quoted Abbas as saying.

“These vehicles are not gifts of comfort. They are tools for duty. They enhance the mobility and effectiveness of leaders who remain the first and most trusted point of contact for millions of our citizens.

“Traditional rulers are essential for conflict resolution, local intelligence, community mobilisation, and cultural stability.

“When they lack mobility, their ability to respond to emergencies, support development initiatives, and liaise with the government is limited.

“Enhancing their capacity is, therefore, a strategic investment in peace, order, and grassroots governance.”

He also said the intervention aligned with Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, which prioritises strong institutions and leadership rooted in local communities.

He said the national assembly is working on a constitutional amendment to define and safeguard the role of traditional rulers.

“The president has invited them into major conversations on security and development. He has acknowledged their stabilising influence in moments of tension,” the speaker said.

“His Renewed Hope Agenda recognises that national progress must begin in communities and harness the credibility of natural leaders.

“It is within this same spirit of reform and partnership that the broader economic measures of his administration must be understood.”

Abbas also appealed to traditional rulers to use their influence to preserve Nigeria’s stability and ensure that the reform process was not truncated.

He assured that the house of representatives would continue to champion measures that empower traditional institutions.