Rivers: Appoint traditional rulers judges — Jaja tells Wike
Barth Ndubuwah,Port Harcourt
Traditional Rulers in Rivers State under the auspices of Rivers State Traditional Rulers’ Council have appealed to Governor Nyesom Wike to consider appointing their members Judges of the Customary Courts.
The Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and Amanyanabo of Opobo,King(Dr) Dandeson Douglas Jaja, Jeki V made the appeal during the 113th quarterly general meeting of the body in Port Harcourt.
According to him, this is in line with the ideals of the colonial masters when they established customary courts in Nigeria.
King Jaja was categorical that as natural rulers who are knowledgeable in the customs of their people, there is no way they would not perform well as Customary Court Judges.
“We wish to use this opportunity to specially appeal again to Government to consider making Traditional Rulers Judges of Customary Courts as it was when customary courts were first established in the country by the Colonial Government. Given the customary nature of issues adjudicated at the Customary Courts, Traditional Rulers with verse knowledge in the culture and tradition of the people can sit as Judges,” Jaja said.
He suggested that lawyers can be appointed to act as Special Assistants to the judges, with a view to advising them on cases touching on fundamental human rights and jurisprudence.
The Traditional Rulers Council Chairman also appealed to the governor to assist the traditional rulers with vehicles to befit their new offices, especially now that he has given staff of office to a good number of them. This, he said, will enhance their status in the eyes of the public.
Responding governor Wike thanked the traditional rulers for their role in ensuring peace in their communities. He urged them to redouble their efforts in peace building in their domains as custodians of the custons and traditions of their communities and by extension the State.
“Let me thank you for what you have been doing so far to ensure peace in your communities and the State at large. I want to encourage you to continue and even improve in that light. The Rivers State Government under my leadership will continue to support you,” Wike said.
