By GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE, Benin

SENATE President, Senator David Mark Saturday in Benin assured traditional rulers in the country that the Constitution would be amended to provide a role for them in the good governance and development of the country.

Mark who gave this indication during a visit to the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Erediauwa in his palace by the Nigerian Defence Academy Regular Course 3 (NDA Regular Course 3) Alumni Association, said, “ I want to assure you, His Royal Majesty, that in the next Constitutional Amendment, the Senate intends to amend the Constitution in such a way that the traditional rulers can carry out their functions and contribute their quota to the development of the country”.

He noted that the 1999 Constitution as Amended was silent on the roles of the traditional rulers in the governance of the country in spite of their contributions to its development.

Senator David Mark and his team who were earlier in the day were guests of the State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, traced the history of the NDA Regular Course 3 to 1967 when the members who are now retired military officers enrolled at the Military Academy.

“It was a very trying moment for the country then when it was faced with an inevitable civil war and no parent would want his child go near the Academy. But 45 of us, young men and very patriotic Nigerians disobeyed and enrolled at the NDA.

“We have since retired from the military and have contributed our quotas to the defence and unity of this country. And we have decided to remain as group, having served together to assist less privileged by way of donations and award of scholarships to children of soldiers”, he said.

The NDA Regular Course 3 Alumni Association, he added as retired military will continue to play its role in ensuring that democracy was fully entrenched in the country.

He expressed satisfaction with the developmental strides of the Oshiomhole administration in Edo State just as he thanked of carrying the workers along especially with his payment of the new Minimum Wage in the state.

Responding, Comrade Oshiomhole said that Edo State was very privileged to play host to members of the Alumni Association that have played their role in the development of the Nigerian Project.

He called on other associations with wide spread in the country to take a cue from the NDA Regular Course 3, saying that the unity and stability of the country would be sustained if that was done.

On his part, the Benin monarch, Omo N’ Oba Erediauwa while expressing his pleasure of their visit to the state, told the Senate president that he had already through Senator Ehigie Uzamare submitted a document that has to do with amendment of the Constitution.