Etsu Nupe, 3 others get  vehicles as Speaker Abbas vows support for Traditional Rulers

ABUBAKAR BABAMAN MOHAMMED

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has reaffirmed his commitment to empowering traditional institutions across Nigeria, announcing that the 2025 national budget includes funding for the procurement of vehicles for traditional rulers who have not yet benefited from earlier initiatives.

Speaking in Abuja on Thursday while presenting official vehicles to four monarchs—Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar; Emir of Ningi, Alhaji Haruna Yunusa Muhammad Danyaya; Esu Karu, Luka Panya Baba; and Kur Jibu Bali, Alhaji Abubakar Mahmoud—Speaker Abbas emphasized the symbolic and practical importance of empowering traditional leaders.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, the Speaker assured that the House under his leadership would continue to allocate annual provisions to support traditional rulers, especially in terms of mobility and other logistical needs.

“This is a legacy we intend to sustain for future Assemblies,” he said. “Every year, a provision will be made for vehicles and other support for our traditional rulers.”

He acknowledged the crucial roles traditional leaders play in maintaining peace and unity across the country and described the 10th House of Representatives as a strong ally of the traditional system. Speaker Abbas noted that his administration had already made similar donations to monarchs in the North-West (Kaduna) and to rulers in the South-West, South-South, and South-East regions.

The Speaker also recalled that prominent traditional leaders, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Ooni of Ife, Emir of Zazzau, Emir of Gwandu, Obi of Onitsha, and two traditional rulers from Katsina State, had previously benefited from the initiative.

He emphasized that empowering the traditional institution is not a recent development but a deliberate and ongoing commitment, further manifested through the establishment of a dedicated Committee on Traditional Institutions—an unprecedented move in Nigeria’s legislative history.

“As someone who hails from the traditional system, I deeply understand the decline in support over the years. I believe charity begins at home, and that is why I personally initiated this effort,” he said.

The vehicle presentation was described as a symbolic gesture aimed at motivating royal fathers to continue promoting peace and stability within their domains. He also expressed appreciation to traditional rulers for their roles as custodians of culture and community leadership.

In a vote of thanks on behalf of the recipients, Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, expressed deep appreciation, stating that the Speaker’s gesture would significantly enhance their mobility and governance support functions. He highlighted the enduring value of traditional institutions in governance, referencing the historic role of native authorities.

The Etsu Nupe concluded by assuring the Speaker of the unwavering support of traditional rulers, recognizing his leadership and consistent dedication to the traditional system.