Brass—His Royal Highness, Samuel Sambo, Amadabo of Sambo Ama in Twon Brass Kingdom of Bayelsa State has urged government at all levels to involve traditional rulers in the business of governance.
In an exclusive interview with Mangrovepen.ng on Sunday, Sambo opined that the business of governance cannot be left to government institutions alone.
He added that as natural leaders of the people and custodians of their extant customs and traditions, traditional rulers also have a huge role to play.
The traditional ruler also stated that it is not enough for government to finance traditional rulers’ council, they should also be consulted in matters that affect their people.
He said that “the kings, chiefs and elders of various communities are usually knowledgeable, experienced and wise people, who can contribute meaningfully to our development.
“We should not only be consulted during campaigns. They should at intervals call on us for useful advice that will bring sustainable development to our people.
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“Government at all levels should liaise with traditional institutions, say, through the community development committees, to propose meaningful projects in the budget.
“There had been many instances where completed government projects find their way into the budget again. Sometimes a particular project is done in two or three other locations in the same community.
“Such things happen because the various community leaderships are not carried along in the scheme of things.”
Sambo averred that government officials have nothing to lose by making traditional rulers partners in their quest to develop communities in the state.
The monarch revealed that such a move would “discourage the wastage of public funds and help them succeed in office and enhance their acceptance by the people.”
