The Benue State House of Assembly has urged Governor Hyacinth Alia to review the salaries and allowances of traditional rulers in the state upwards, with none earning below N75,000 minimum wage. This decision follows a motion sponsored by Messrs Douglas Akya, Peter Uche, and Mrs Beckie Orpin, which was led by Akya.
Akya described traditional rulers as indispensable partners in governance, stressing that they serve as custodians of the people's cultural heritage, promoters of peace, and mediators in communal conflicts. According to him, traditional rulers are also mobilisers for government programmes and key stakeholders in maintaining security and social harmony across Benue communities.
The lawmaker argued that despite the increasing responsibilities placed on traditional rulers, their salaries and allowances have remained grossly inadequate amid rising inflation and the high cost of living. He recalled that the Benue Government had already implemented a N75,000 minimum wage for workers in the state and maintained that traditional rulers also deserve a remuneration structure that reflects their status and invaluable contributions to peace, security, and socio-economic development.
Seconding the motion, Mr Peter Ipusu called for a comprehensive review of the Benue State Chieftaincy Law, describing the existing law as outdated and in need of amendment to reflect present-day realities. He also advocated providing official vehicles to traditional rulers to enhance their mobility and improve the discharge of their responsibilities.
Ruling after the debate, Speaker Mr Alfred Emberga directed the Clerk of the House, Dr Bem Mela, to transmit the resolutions of the assembly to the Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and the Ministry of Finance for appropriate action. The speaker urged the Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to develop an equitable and sustainable salary framework for traditional rulers across the state.
The state government has been tasked with institutionalising periodic reviews of traditional rulers' salaries and allowances in line with future adjustments to the national and state minimum wage to safeguard their welfare and uphold the dignity of the traditional institution. The government has also been urged to procure and allocate official vehicles to traditional rulers, beginning with kindred heads, to strengthen grassroots leadership and improve their operational effectiveness.
Traditional rulers are indispensable partners in governance, serving as custodians of the people's cultural heritage and promoters of peace.
The Benue State House of Assembly on Wednesday in Makurdi resolved that Governor Alia should ensure that none of the traditional rulers in the state earn below N75,000 per month. The assembly also urged the state government to introduce a graded remuneration structure based on the category and status of each traditional institution.
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