The Adamawa House of Assembly has passed a bill seeking to provide gratuity and death benefits for emirs and chiefs.
The House passed the bill during its plenary session on Monday, presided over by the Speaker, Bathiya Wesley.
The bill seeks to amend the Adamawa State Chiefs (Appointment and Deposition) (Amendment) Law, 2024, to provide a legal framework for paying gratuity and death benefits to traditional rulers.
The passage followed the consideration and adoption of a report presented by the House Standing Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, chaired by Kefas Calvin (APC- Toungo).
Calvin commended Governor Ahmadu Fintiri for sponsoring the bill, describing the proposed amendment as a significant step towards improving the welfare of traditional rulers.
He said the amendment would establish the legal framework for paying gratuity and death benefits to emirs and chiefs.
The deputy speaker, Muhammed Jidjiwa, commended the committee for its work and urged members to adopt its report.
Jidjiwa said traditional institutions remained important custodians of the people’s culture, norms, and values.
He also commended Fintiri for initiating the amendment, saying it would further strengthen the welfare and dignity of traditional rulers.
The majority leader, Kate Mamuno, moved a motion for the passage of the bill and was seconded by Musa Kallamu (APC-Mayo-Belwa constituency).
The bill was subsequently passed by voice vote, and the speaker directed the clerk of the House to prepare a clean copy and transmit it to the governor for his assent.