The Mandaiki of Kpaduma II and general secretary of the Kpaduma community, Simon Baba Yerima has commended the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for upgrading traditional institutions across the FCT, describing the move as long overdue and a major step toward strengthening grassroots governance.
Yerima said communities across the six area councils of the FCT were celebrating the minister’s decision, noting that traditional institutions had been neglected for nearly three decades.
According to him, the last major upgrade of traditional rulers in the FCT occurred during the era of former military administrator Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Useni, about 28 years ago.
He said the recent action by the minister demonstrated political will and responsiveness to the concerns of indigenous communities.
Yerima expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Wike as FCT minister, stating that the decision had proven beneficial to the development of the territory.
“We are very happy about the development. Traditional institutions in the FCT had been neglected for many years. The minister has listened to the cries of the grassroots and taken decisive action,” he said.
He added that the recognition of traditional institutions would help strengthen governance at the community level and improve cooperation between local leaders and government authorities.
The community leader also urged traditional rulers to support government policies and programmes to promote peace, security and development in the territory.
Yerima further appealed to the FCT administration to upgrade the Sa’peyi of Garki Chiefdom to a first-class traditional title.
He explained that the Garki Chiefdom occupies a strategic position as the host community to the Presidential Villa and other key government institutions, adding that the traditional ruler had played a significant role in maintaining peace and addressing security challenges in the area.
According to him, elevating the title would strengthen leadership and enhance collaboration between the traditional institution and government authorities.
He also called for reforms in the leadership structure of traditional councils, recommending a tenure-based system for chairmanship positions instead of permanent or hereditary arrangements.
Yerima said such a system would encourage accountability and allow more leaders to contribute to the development of their communities.
The Kpaduma community leader also reaffirmed support for the current administration ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying the government had demonstrated commitment to fulfilling its promises.
“We have seen the promises being fulfilled, and we believe the administration is moving the country in the right direction,” he said.
