CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Nigeria is going through a rough time in the area of security mostly due to the insecurity that is ravaging the nation. No region of the nation is spared as the insecurity has penetrated every nook and cranny in different kinds. The militancy in the Niger-Delta, ethno-religious crisis and Boko-haram in the North with its concentration in states like Plateau, Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, and Kano, armed robbery on the highways, kidnappings, political assassinations, cult related crisis in the South are just the few glaring security difficulties in the Country. There are other areas of security threats that might not be seen on the print media however they are certainly life threatening. The successive governments have embraced a number of steps to deal with the threat to the wellbeing of the most populous black country in the world yet the stick and carrot principles as suggested by many did not appear to have produced the preferred outcome. Therefore, it is proper to examine many more alternatives amongst which are the involvement of traditional rulers. The role of traditional rulers nevertheless, is not simply coming on board as history has revealed the active involvement of traditional rulers in government (Jacob Y. 2010). The point in issue is the need for constitutional role for traditional rulers.
As a result of the failure of the political leaders and the elites to deal with the issue of insecurity in Nigeria, there is the need to resort to the traditional rulers for a feasible solution to this monster called insecurity. The traditional rulers are traditionally, the head of their ethnic group, clan or community. They hold the highest possible executive authority in such communities and has been designated to the position in accordance with the people's culture, custom and traditions. Their position and power were acknowledged by the government with the presentation of "staff of office", which is a tool of power. The traditional rulers having actually been acknowledged by the government as the leader of their people, has been playing a fantastic function in the management of the people and their affairs. For that reason, their function in conflict resolution, management and avoidance cannot be underestimated as they manage people in their domain and deal with disputes in the society in a bid to ensure that, there is peace and security.
In Nigeria, insecurity is a crucial issue that has hindered industrialization and sustainable development. The growing unmatched occurrence of insecurity varies from the activities of bandits, Boko Haram insurgencies, incessant killings in the South-east by the 'unknown gun men, armed robbery and kidnapping, political and religious conflicts, murder, damage of oil facilities by Niger Delta militants to Child abduction and trafficking in different regions of the nation. These have been revealed to impede development and growth in Nigeria as a country and harmful to the general wellbeing of individuals. As a result, it has resulted in damage of business and properties in addition to relocation of industries. On the other hand, it is the obligation of the elected government of any country to guarantee that the management of the security sector is in line with democratic best practices and the provision of security as a public good. To accomplish this result, the government needs detailed and comprehensive strategies and management structures to guarantee efficient security policies and techniques that are transparent and accountable.
Reports have revealed that unless local techniques that integrate strategies beyond kinetics as techniques to avoid violent crimes are embraced, Africa's many national and regional initiatives to fight insecurity will fail to provide lasting and credible peace. Traditional rulers have been a significant factor in the unity of the country. They continue to be a fantastic force in ensuring peace and unity of individuals both in their communities and environs which includes their immediate community. They likewise mediate on disputes and crisis that occur every now and then thus promoting peace, cohesion and contributing to the political system of administration. Thus, it is necessary to examine the role of traditional rulers in tackling insecurity in Nigeria by using Emir of Kano as a case study.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Currently, in the North West, especially, in Kano State, the status of traditional rulers has been considerably replaced with government agencies and appointees at various levels of community governance (Olusola & Aisha, 2017). The recently emerged class in some cases, see the traditional institutions as a risk to their grip on power and for that reason, continuously clamp on the powers of the traditional rulers. Nevertheless, the recent neglect of traditional rulers and the minimal and irrelevant roles played by traditional rulers in the present-day governance as compared to their roles in handling and dealing with conflict in the past constitute one significant reason for the increasing rate of community disputes in a lot of our communities, towns and cities. Also, where they were acknowledged and permitted to carry out obligations including management of conflicts in their domains, the outcomes have in many cases considered abysmal. Instances are drawn from the outcomes of government policy of Alternative Dispute Resolution (out of court settlement). Occasionally cases returned to the law court because of poor handling at the community levels. This neglect and sideline of the traditional rulers combined with a number of other issues such as uncountable numbers of land disputes between people, groups and families, high religious crises, banditry and insurgencies, communal clashes among others, subject the general administration of communities to questioning. Hence, the need to assess the role of traditional rulers in tackling insecurity in Nigeria by using Emir of Kano as a case study.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The primary objective of this study is to examine the role of traditional rulers in tackling insecurity in Nigeria by using Emir of Kano as a case study. However, the following are the specific objectives:
i) To examine the extent in which traditional rulers apply compromise strategy in community security.
ii) To understand a better understanding on the concept of traditional institution, it roles, potentials and relevance as an agent of national development.
iii) To explore the short comings and problems faced by the traditional rulers and how to proffer lasting and enduring solution to them.
iv) To determine the landmark achievement of a particular traditional ruler in Kano State in the course of its impacts in the development of a nation.
1.4 Research Questions
The following research questions guided the study:
i) To what extent in which traditional rulers apply compromise strategy in community security?
ii) What is a better understanding on the concept of traditional institution, it roles, potentials and relevance as an agent of national development?
iii) What are the shortcomings and problems faced by the traditional rulers and how to proffer lasting and enduring solution to them?
iv) What is the landmark achievement of a particular traditional ruler in Kano State in the course of its impacts in the development of a nation?
1.5 Research Hypotheses
With the understanding of the concept of hypothesis, the following are the hypothesis formulated for the testing:
i) There is a significant relationship between traditional institution and national development
ii) There is no significant correlation between achievements of traditional rulers and national development
1.6 Significance of the Study
This research study is significant in a numbers of ways, it offers a basis for further academic discourse and the extension of the frontier of knowledge in the area of study. It acts or serves as a form of handbook for historian, policy makers and administrators in general especially towards the formation of effective policies needed for national growth and development.
The study also gives insight into the operations, potentials and necessity of the traditional rulers in national development
The significance of this study can also be seen in the topically of issue and its contentions nature.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The scope of this study embraces a consideration of the operation, role of traditional rulers in tackling insecurity in Nigeria by using Emir of Kano as a case study.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
The study is limited by factors, such as time constraints, financial impediment (No enough fund to guarantee access to some sources of information and all information in this research project is obtained within the confines of data the researcher is disposed to.
