The 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, says the traditional institution remains a critical player in Nigeria’s security architecture.
Bayero stated this in Abuja on Thursday at the 1st News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) International Lecture.
The lecture has the theme, “Insecurity in the Sahel, 2008 to 2024: Dissecting Nigeria’s Challenges – Genesis, Impacts and Options.”
He told NAN on the sideline of the event that traditional leaders had been protecting the lives and properties of the people in their domains.
“That has changed over the years due to political interference, but traditional leaders still have a role to play in protecting their communities and the nation,” he said.
He explained that the structure of the traditional institution, which predates the colonial era, from the ward head, village head, district head and the emirate at the apex, provides a unique system for tackling insecurity at community level.
“It is a system that has been in existence since pre-colonial period, so we believe that if we revert back to that, the traditional leaders will still play a role in protecting our society.
“I want Nigerians to be aware that everyone has a role to play in securing the country, so let everyone play his own role.
“By the time each and every individual plays a role, I am sure things will get better gradually,” the Emir said.
He commended NAN management for organising the lecture which he described as apt, considering the lingering crisis in the Sahel.
