The Emir of Zazzau and Chairman of the Kaduna State Council of Chiefs, Ambassador Ahmed Bamalli, has backed the proposed 100 per cent increase in the salaries and allowances of traditional rulers in Kaduna State.
Bamalli described the proposed increment as a “welcome relief”, saying the current remuneration of traditional rulers was inadequate amid rising living costs and the declining value of the naira.
The Emir spoke on Friday while addressing journalists at his palace in Zaria, Kaduna State.
He disclosed that the proposed increase had been in the pipeline for about seven months, with Governor Uba Sani and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Sadiq Mamman-Lagos, working towards its implementation.
Bamalli said he was optimistic that the new remuneration would become a reality following the government’s official announcement.
According to him, the value of money had fallen significantly, making the current earnings of traditional rulers inadequate compared with what obtains in some other emirates.
The Emir commended Sani and Mamman-Lagos for their commitment to the traditional institution, adding that the cordial relationship between the government and traditional rulers had enabled regular consultation and collaboration on issues affecting residents.
Bamalli said traditional rulers were not politicians but remained important partners in governance, particularly in conflict resolution, grassroots mobilisation and peacebuilding.
He also disclosed that the Zazzau Emirate had resolved more than 2,000 civil cases through its alternative dispute resolution mechanism over the past two years.
He said the initiative had reduced pressure on conventional courts, with the palace handling an average of five cases daily from Monday to Thursday.
The cases, he explained, mainly involved matrimonial disputes, inheritance, land matters and other civil disagreements, while criminal cases were referred to conventional courts.
On the 2027 general elections, Bamalli said the traditional institution would continue working with relevant stakeholders to preserve peace and stability in the Zazzau Emirate.
He attributed the relative peace in the emirate to an inclusive leadership approach that accommodates people from different ethnic and religious backgrounds.
The monarch said the emirate had recognised major communities, including Igbo, Yoruba and Fulani communities, as well as Christian leaders, to enable the palace to receive information directly from different sections of society.
On insecurity, Bamalli said the emirate remained largely peaceful, although Giwa Local Government Area continued to face security challenges because of its proximity to parts of Niger, Katsina and Zamfara states.
He said the palace maintained regular communication with security agencies and submitted weekly intelligence reports to the state government.
Bamalli expressed confidence that continued cooperation between traditional institutions, the state government and security agencies would help the emirate contribute to peace, development and stability in Kaduna State.
