BY NEWS DESK

Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, the Governor of Borno, has said that the Nigerian Governors' Forum will work with the National Assembly to capture the role of traditional rulers in the constitution so as to give them more strength in carrying out their activities.

Governor Zulum said this at the seventh executive committee meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council held today at the multipurpose hall of Government House Maiduguri.

The meeting, titled "Enhanced Security as Panacea for Stability and Development of the North," saw Governor Zulum, in his welcome address, underscore the important role played by the traditional institution in the country.

He said traditional rulers, being the custodians of our cultural heritage, have a significant role in security intelligence gathering; hence, the need to liaise with the institution in enhancing cross-border and other security challenges.

He noted that the Nigerian Governors' Forum will work with the National Assembly to capture the role of traditional rulers in the constitution so as to give them more strength in carrying out their activities.

Zulum, while commending the Sultan of Sokoto, Mohammed Saad Abubakar, and the Shehu of Borno, Shehu Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Almin El-Kanemi, for their roles in the country and the state,

Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by Zulum, said the nexus between security and peace cannot be overstated, hence he commended traditional rulers for the initiative.

While reacting, Mohammed Saad Abubakar, Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers and the Sultan of Sokoto, said the meeting was part of the Traditional Council's efforts in Northern Nigeria to deliberate on actionable plans to provide security, stabilization, and development to the region.

He also emphasized the need to join hands with all relevant stakeholders in proffering solutions to the insecurity challenges.

He noted that the theme for the seventh edition was carefully selected to chart a way forward and urged political officeholders to work with traditional rulers to rid the region of criminalities.

In his paper presentation, Dr. Garba Abari, former Director General of the National Orientation Agency, spoke extensively on the need to enhance security in the country.

The event was also attended by the Shehu of Borno, Shehu Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Almin El-Kanemi, who led other traditional titleholders of the state. Other dignitaries included the Emirs of Lafiya and Fika, and members of the State and National Assemblies, among others.