By Dickson Okafor
Igwe Gerald Obunadike Mbamalu, Eze Oranyelu 1, Eze Ojoto 111 in Idemili South Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra State has called on President Bola Tinubu to create a Federal Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs to enable traditional rulers join hands in the fight against insecurity in the country.
The monarch warned that no amount of palliative will cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal if the nation’s refineries are not fixed.
Igwe Mbamalu gave reasons some traditional rulers do not set good example for people to follow.
He speaks about other burning national issues. Excerpts:
The virtue and value attached to royalty of traditional institution in the country have been abused by some monarchs hence they do not set good examples for people to follow, what is your reaction to this assertion?
In every 12 there must be a Judas. Yes, some traditional rulers have not lived up to expectations and as a result have not set good examples for their subjects and the people to follow. Traditional rulers are custodian of our tradition and culture hence we are supposed to be a shining example for people to emulate. Unfortunately, some monarchs have set bad precedents thereby making mockery of themselves and also our traditional institution. Some of us who later became monarchs made our marks in our discipline before ascending the throne. Some of us were astute politicians, business moguls, renowned civil servants and technocrats, we were beckoned on by our people to become traditional rulers because it is in our linage. And such caliber of traditional rulers that have track records are good examples for the people to clearly see and follow. Don’t forget that royalty is an embodiment of values and virtues which make it sacred in human existence. So, the only way you can prove to the people that you are a true monarch is when they see your good works practically which help to give them moral example to follow. Notwithstanding, it is not surprising to me when I see some of us living below expectations.
What would you say is responsible for some monarchs not living up to expectations?
Because they don’t have royal blood flowing in them hence they don’t possess the virtue of a king. They are those imposed on people as traditional rulers because they could afford it with money. Historically, traditional administrative structure was an exemplary leadership not only in Nigeria, but in the world especially in pre-colonial times in Nigeria. It was through the traditional rulers the colonial masters were able to get the attention of their subjects, the people and thereby ruled over us. Today, it is a common sight and knowledge to see individuals forcefully usurping traditional crowns or the Ofor from the original owners and these are the so-called monarchs that desecrate our traditional institution in Nigeria. They just bribe few Chiefs and title holders even the Chief Priest (Eze Nmuo) and suddenly they begin to speak from both sides of their mouth. And when eventually the wrong person clinches the crown because he is not ordained by the gods they won’t show good example for the people to follow. In most cases they end up shamefully because they are not the rightful owner of the crown. Just as there are fake people in every profession or discipline, so also there are fake monarchs parading themselves as traditional rulers.
How has culture and tradition contributed towards improving the nation’s unity in diversity?
Traditional rulers have always supported government to maintain peace and order in Nigeria because from the days of colonial administration till now the eyes of Nigerian leaders are on the nation’s royal fathers while making decisions. This is imperative because traditional rulers are closer to the people than the three tiers of government. So far, we are alive to our responsibilities, though it is not the duty of traditional rulers alone to promote unity in the midst of diversity, but all Nigerians. Our culture and tradition have been able to unite Nigerians across the country in spite of our differences. The current reality is that all the agitations are tied to hardship because if those calling for Biafra, Oduduwa and Islamic republics are productively engaged there won’t be agitation. So, culture and tradition have been unifying factors in Nigeria. That is why we established the Annual National Cultural Festivals where people from the six geo-political zones display their cultural heritage to the admiration of all. It is a global event where our rich culture and tradition are showcased for the world to see. For instance, the Ofala festival in the Southeast which is hosted by traditional rulers attracts guests from all over the country and the world. You can see Africa, Nigeria and Igbo cultural heritage showcased in Europe and that is why you always see Nigerians travelling to foreign countries to see Nigeria artefacts which we called idols in their museum because that’s what connect the present with the past. Today, Europeans, even our colonial masters, see treasure in our culture and tradition. Mind you, tradition is a way of life because language and culture are dynamic. A people’s culture is their identity and we have always ensured that culture and tradition do not conflict with the future.
With the recent declaration of public holidays for traditional worshippers during Isese Day by the governors of Ogun and Lagos states, isn’t that a confirmation that the demand by Noble Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka that public holidays be declared for traditionalist as it’s done for Christians and Muslims has been accepted?
Yes, it is truly a confirmation that these two states have granted Prof. Wole Soyinka’s demand for public holidays to be granted to the traditional worshippers. Nigeria is a circular state with three main religions namely, Christianity, Islam and Traditional religion. Therefore, the three should enjoy equal opportunity as stipulated in Nigerian constitution. You will agree with me that we are divided along tribe, religion and ethnicity, that’s why Prof. Wole Soyinka made the demand for public holidays for traditionalists. Before the colonial masters came, we worship God traditionally until they brought Christianity and Islam to us which is good.
But the role of monarchs in our evolving democracy especially during the last elections are not felt as electoral violence witnessed was largely at the rural areas. What is limiting monarchs from exercising authority in their domains?
Thank you for this vital question. I’m an advocate of proper institutionalization of the nation’s traditional institution. Traditional rulers have no such powers to prevent political violence during elections because we don’t have constitutional power and role. And that is the reason I’m in support of the call that traditional rulers should be given constitutional role. If something is not constitutional it becomes optional and that is why the role played by monarchs in Nigeria is limited which ought not to be so. Therefore, to involve monarchs in governance in order for us to have the power to secure our domain properly, President Bola Tinubu should create Federal Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs and a monarch appointed as minister of the ministry. I made this suggestion in my previous interviews, where I called for adequate funding of the traditional institution because we are the Chief Security Officers of our domains. Monarchs are not in the constitution. So, how can a monarch secure his kingdom or join hands with local and state governments to fight crime and prevent violence without constitutional empowerment and proper funding? So, that is why the role of monarchs in the governance of the country has not been felt by the people. As it stands monarchs are taken care of by the local governments and with such support, we can do little to secure our communities. What should be the concern of any monarch now is the welfare of their people and that is exactly what we are doing.
How come religion did not play a major role in the last presidential election with the victory of APC Muslim-Muslim ticket that brought President Tinubu and Shettima to power?
This question should have come up after the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal has given its judgment because as it is now, the matter is still in court. Meanwhile, religion is the foundation of every nation in the world which began with creation. Therefore, religion is a significant factor in Nigeria’s politics and has been an instrument of power balance and a key factor in our democratic journey. The last presidential election cannot be said to have been won by Bola Tinubu until the final judgment of the court. So, the Muslim-Muslim ticket of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) should not be used as a yardstick to judge the outcome of the last presidential election in the country. However, to thrive in the nation’s political landscape, you must equate power through accommodating the three main religions in the distribution of federal appointments. That is exactly what President Ahmed Bola Tinubu is busy doing since he was announced winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) because he knew that the Muslim-Muslim ticket that brought him to power was against the tenet of equal distribution of power in Nigeria. And this is what he is trying to correct in the appointment of his kitchen cabinet. Though many don’t agree with the line of thought of religion being the determining factor of choosing our leaders, but the reality is that Nigerians are interested in electing competent and capable leaders to lead them at all levels of governance irrespective of religious affiliation. That was why they voted massively for the candidate of Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi. Before now the people were afraid of the government, but the government is now afraid of the people. So, that is the reason the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal is being very careful as it handles the matter. Meanwhile, it is worthy to note that God, the creator of man is not religious hence He showed us His nature and how we should live through His son, Jesus Christ.
Fuel subsidy removal by President Tinubu has caused more pains to Nigerians especially the vulnerable people in spite of palliatives rolled out recently by the government. Isn’t that a hasty decision taken by President Tinubu?
Though fuel subsidy removal is a good decision by President Bola Tinubu, but like you rightly said it was too sudden and unprepared for. Over the years Nigerians have called for fuel subsidy removal. The last one was during former President Goodluck Jonathan tenure when few individuals sponsored a protest against fuel subsidy removal when Jonathan planned to remove it. And now some of those who were against its removal are the ones championing it. So, Nigerians were surprised when President Tinubu during his inaugural speech at Eagle Square on May 29 declared that fuel subsidy was gone without considering its effects on the people. To me, the palliatives should have come first before subsidy removal. However, no amount of palliative will cushion its effect until our refineries are fixed. It’s unfortunate that the Nigerian state has continued to weaponize poverty through policies and programmes that are unfriendly to the citizens and because of this act Nigeria is a nation at war with itself. Therefore, all Tinubu must do at this stage is to reinforce the spirit of national unity in the country through ensuring that the palliatives get to the vulnerable Nigerians while fixing the refineries. This is important because if the nation’s refineries are fixed it will bring down the price of fuel and the cost of living which has gone up, leaving ordinary Nigerians helpless. Palliative means relieving symptom without healing the disease.
Is there any solution in sight for the present economic trouble in Nigeria?
It takes a productive leader to examine and do the productive way of doing things. Therefore, as a leader if you desire economic success, you must devise a strategy to be productive and also make the citizens productive as well through job creation. You must be efficient, focused and key into the global economic trend because the world is moving. As a matter of urgency, President Tinubu must change the economic style of the immediate past government to improve the living standard of Nigerians. The fuel subsidy removal has doubled our pains and like I said earlier, no amount of palliatives will completely cushion its effects on the vulnerable Nigerians. However, leadership is a burden that cannot carry everybody along, but Mr. President and his economic team should put the welfare of the people first in order to lessen their burden. Like you know, the world is facing economic problem mainly because of Ukrain/Russian war. Therefore, man’s problem since creation is conflict of ideas and identity and the world will continue to witness economic fluctuation. So, Nigeria’s economic challenge can be surmounted if the right persons are in the economic team. Without wasting time, Tinubu’s economic team must find a way to stop the growing rate of the dollar to the naira. Our land borders should be reopened for free flow of trade and services. The APC-led government must fulfill its campaign promise of giving Nigerians steady power supply which is the greatest challenge facing the country. Instability of electricity supply has driven a lot of companies out of Nigeria forcing them to relocate to the neighbouring countries where power supply is steady. So, the best culture is service delivery.
Kudos and knocks have trailed the caliber of persons appointed ministers by President Tinubu, what is your impression of the new cabinet?
Democracy is contest of power within party and in governance and whosoever contribute to victory of any candidate must surely be compensated. And because it is the prerogative of the president to appoint his cabinet, he will choose those he deemed fit that can deliver the dividend of democracy to the people to serve in his cabinet. That is exactly what President Tinubu did in his choice of ministers. Notwithstanding, nation building is a very difficult task to accomplish, especially in a country like ours with deep religious, ethnic, cultural and political divisions among the people. Some people say that nation building in Nigeria is impossible because the country is not functioning effectively as a result of present day leaders allowing their personal interests to overwhelm them. However, I give Tinubu kudos for including young men and women whose track records are impressive in his cabinet. But on what is my impression on the caliber of the ministers, I won’t say much about that until after the court judgment. You will agree with me that it is only when they want to contest election they remember the people. Most times they get the attention of our subjects through visiting traditional rulers for our blessings. My advice to the new ministers is that they should know that politics is not employment, but a vocation. The expectations of Nigerians are high because of the economic state of the nation hence each and every minister must ensure they do everything possible to deliver the dividend of democracy to the people.
About Author
