Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCTA), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has charged Traditional Rulers on peace building process.
Bello who gave the advice in Abuja at a three-day capacity building for traditional rulers and community leaders on “Dispute Resolution and Law Enforcement” in conjunction with Green Horizon, a non governmental organisation (NGO).
Represented by the Secretary, FCT Area Council Service Secretariat, Alhaji Isa Maina, the Minister said conflict resolution has been the preserved role of traditional rulers intheir domain.
He stated that the training would enhance their capability in discharging their responsibilities effectively and for parties in dispute to avoid going to court for redress.
Bello further said it was thepractice of residents to report strangers either to the ward, village or district head, or sometimes to the Emir for people to know the character, saying that suchpractice had worked in the past.
He opined that resolving conflict by the leaders, helped a lot as it solved many things, including paying lawyers and utilising the opportunity to seek for amicable resolution.
The minister said by going to court, animosity could set in, which meant the parties would always hate each other especially the person who was taken to court.
Bello also stated that when the proposal to organise the programme was brought to him by the legal secretariat,
“I knew the benefits in times like this and I gave my approval.
“This workshop, I know will go a long way to easing and guiding you in solving most of the conflicts in the community, be it family or land issues.
“We are also exploring the same mechanism at the FCT on land matters by bringing factions together, seek for peaceful means without spending a kobo,’’ he said.
He called on ward leaders to pay attention at the workshop as cases normally starts within their domain before coming over to the village or district head.
The minister warned them to avoid collecting money from people in conflict as it would create disrespect for them, “as you are the rulers at the grassroots’’.
Prof. Bashir Sada, director, Green Horizon said the workshop could not have come at a better time as the participants would be able to learn new things in conflict resolution.
His words: “It will also open new window for them towards peaceful coexistence with their subjects and help the people to be at peace with one another and also wasting money on litigation,’’
He commended the participants for having confidence in Green Horizon to conduct the workshop.
Speaking earlier, acting director, advisory legal services, Mr Aminu Basha told the participants to pay attention at the workshop in order to buildtheir capacity in dispute resolution.
Sakaruyi of Karu, Mr. Emmanuel Kyauta who is also the representative of Sarkin Jiwa, Alhaji Idris Musa, Chairman, FCT Council of Chiefs thanked the FCTA for the workshop.
He said the programme would help the leaders in resolving many challenges.
Also speaking, the Sa’payi of Garki, Alhaji Usman Nga-Kupi, commended the organisers and said the workshop would greatly enhance the leaders’ capability in discharging their duties.
