Northern Governors Under Fire: DCCN Condemns Moves Against Traditional Institutions
The Da’awah Coordination Council of Nigeria (DCCN), a consortium of over fifty-five Islamic organisations, has condemned the moves against traditional institutions by some of the Northern State Governors.
The issue revolves around recent actions perceived as attempts to undermine the traditional institution, which holds significant cultural and communal importance.
The DCCN stated this in a press statement signed and made available to newsmen by National Vice President Barrister Nurudeen Osunuge and National Secretary General Engr. Ahmad M. Y. Jumba in Gombe on Tuesday.
The organisation has expressed deep apprehension over what it describes as governors’ “predatory” behaviour towards traditional rulers, accusing them of using their political influence to weaken these ancient seats of wisdom and cultural guardianship.
“Such moves, they argue, not only threaten the fabric of community identity but also risk destabilising regions already grappling with socio-political challenges.
“A focal point of concern has been the reported tensions between the Governor of Sokoto State and the revered Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
The organisation said that these tensions, though officially downplayed by state authorities, have nonetheless sparked fears of a broader agenda to diminish the influence of traditional leaders who symbolise continuity and stability in Nigerian society.
“The traditional institution serves as a storehouse of wisdom and cultural heritage,” remarked a spokesperson for the DCCN, underscoring the pivotal role traditional rulers play in maintaining social cohesion and identity. “Efforts to sideline or weaken them only serve to destabilise communities and erode centuries-old traditions that bind us together.”
They said that as the situation unfolds, stakeholders across Nigeria are watching closely, with calls for a constructive dialogue between political leaders and traditional authorities to ensure the preservation of Nigeria’s rich cultural tapestry while advancing developmental agendas.
The DCCN said that amidst these challenges, the hope remains that mutual respect and collaboration between political governance and traditional leadership can prevail, safeguarding the invaluable contributions of traditional rulers to Nigeria’s socio-economic progress.
