The FCT Minister, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has presented vehicles to 10 graded third class chiefs in the Federal Capital territory in order to empower them to assist in tackling the menace of insecurity and criminality plaguing the territory.
He made the presentation at the maiden meeting he had with the FCT Council of Chiefs on Friday where he tasked the traditional rulers to join forces with the FCT Administration in the fight against insecurity in the nation’s capital.
The Minister stressed that royal fathers have always played a pivotal role in mobilizing their subjects to key into government policies and programmes, adding that the agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on combating insecurity in country was no exception with the traditional rulers playing a crucial role.
He said: “Particularly the traditional rulers have a role to play in terms of security. You know your community better than anybody. You know those who live with you in your communities. So, you will be able to identify those who look like strangers where you stay.
“No security agency can perform its function without the support of the traditional rulers. So, we believe we need to partner with the traditional rulers to succeed in the fight against insecurity”, he said.
Barr. Wike said the FCTA values the role of the traditional rulers hence its decision to enhance their mobility through the provision of the vehicles to reach the nook and crannies of the territory and complement the Administration’s efforts to combat crime and keep the FCT safe.
The Minister said, “Government must also encourage you and provide you with the needed logistics to do your work. And part of that is mobility. This is also in line with the President’s agenda of renewed hope”.
Barr. Wike who stressed that everybody was important in the fight against insecurity, called for all hands to be on deck in the fight while expressing the hope that the traditional institution will help the FCTA achieve peace and security.
He also said that plans would soon be worked out for improved welfare for traditional rulers as part of efforts to achieve the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In appreciation of the gesture by the Minister, the Chairman of the FCT Council of Chiefs and Ona of Abaji, HRH Alh Adamu Baba Yunusa, pledged the commitment of the traditional rulers to partner with the FCTA to make the FCT safe.
Present at the presentation were the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, FCT Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusade Adesola, other senior officials of the FCTA, Area Council Chairmen and traditional rulers in the FCT.