By Peter Ahemba
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nassrawa state has announced the upgrade of 22 traditional rulers to the status of first, second and third class status respectively across the state.
The Governor, who disclosed this while receiving members of the State Traditional Council of Chiefs at the Government House, Lafia on Tuesday said the action was in line with the recommendations of the recently constituted committee on the creation of chiefdoms, districts and village areas in the state.
According to the Governor, four second class traditional rulers namely; Sangarin Shabu, Osakio of Assakio, Sangarin Deddere, Ohinoyi of Toto, Sarkin Gurku and Osu Agwada, have now been elevated to first class status.
Similarly, four third class chiefs namely; Sarkin Ara, Sarkin Angwan Makama, Sarkin Gudi and Zhe Musha were equally elevated to second class status.
The Governor also announced that all the fourth class chiefs, namely; Zhe Ashige, Sarkin Kanje, Sarkin Igah, Ogazi Kwara, Osu Yelwa, Sangarin Tudun Wada, Sarkin Laminga, Osoku of Agaza, Esu Kodape, Sangarin Dari, Sangarin Amba and Sarkin Sabongari, have all been elevated to third class status.
Governor Sule revealed that the state Ministry for Local Government, Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, has been directed to commence the process for the selection of a new Aren Eggon, who will succeed the late Aren Eggon, Dr. Bala Angbazo.
He pointed out that the Eggon Traditional Council has 22 kingmakers but with only three available to select the new Aren Eggon, assuring that his administration will not interfere in the selection of the new Aren Eggon.
“The law empowers the Governor to use even only one kingmaker to select the new Aren Eggon. We will now use the three kingmakers to select the new Aren Eggon. I don’t even know the kingmakers and won’t even meet with them,” He said.
The Governor used the opportunity of the meeting to appeal to traditional rulers in the state to support the process leading to the conduct of a successful national population and housing census.
“We are relying heavily on our royal fathers for the success of the 2023 census. As yiu are aware, Nasarawa State is one of the states thay has been shortchanged over a long period of time on this issue of census”.