By Harry Awurumibe, Editor Abuja Bureau
Traditional Rulers from the six geopolitical zones of the country have urged President Bola Tinubu to explore their closeness to the populace in addressing insecurity.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, made the request on Friday during a courtesy visit by the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) to the President at the State House Conference Center, Abuja.
The Ooni, who is also the co-chair of traditional rulers Council of Nigeria, stressed that most of the socio-economic problems confronting the nation would be tackled if they are given priority.
“There are areas we will like to work with you, one of which is security. It is time to use us the more, we are not saying we are idle but to make your work easier use us.
“The foundation of this country today are the traditional rulers. We are here to pledge our loyalty and support. We want to work with you to ensure you leave a legacy.
“Don’t underestimate what traditional rulers can do”, the Ooni stated.
Earlier in his remark, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, lll , said it’s traditional for Nigerian monarchs to make such visit after a transition of government, adding that they posses immense wisdom and excellent professional experience to contribute to national development.
He however prayed for God’s wisdom on President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima to enable them address the nation’s challenges as well as fulfil the needs and aspirations of Nigerians
Said he: “whenever you reach out to us, we will be here.
We thank God for the smooth way the elections took place. Many negative people thought this country will collapse but we are still here.
“We are here for you, for our people and our country. If you don’t reach out to us, we will reach out to you.
“We wish you the most successful tenure in good health.”
Speaking to State House Correspondents on the sideline of the event, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, Oniru of Iru land said: “essentially, we came to congratulate Mr. President and the fact that the first 11 days he has attended to us and we shared ideas.
“We let him to understand the feedbacks we got from the grassroots and the importance of the impirtance of traditional rulers in Nigeria was strongly emphasised at the meeting.
I’m very sure that he will live up to all his campaign promises. And we all saw his manifestor. a lot of people saw his manifesto. His inaugural speech was also part of what we should use to determine what his administration will be like”.
Also, His Eminence Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Council of Chiefs said: “Well, you know, it is quite unnecessary at a time like this. The President has just been sworn in and the people must come closer in order to collaborate with the system with the governmentto at least express our mind. One in solidarity.
“The other was to tell them tell the government what they should do for the people at teh grass roots
basically, we are here to collaborate with the system and to let the government know the role of the traditional fathers at the grassroots And to let them know, to whom much is given much is also expected.
The people require much from the government and the people at the grassroot to give back to the government. That is why we are here . We came in and we know with what he has told us that he will do for the people , I’m very, very convinced that he will he will do just that. To improve on the life of the people. Cutting across the country”.
Meanwhile, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, the Elegushi of Ikateland said they came for a courtesy visit and to pray for him and wish him good success in his term.
“First of all, I will like to thank the President for giving the National Traditional Council time for this kind of meeting. We came here for a courtesy visit and to pray for him and wish him good success in his term and so far so good. It has never happened before in Nigeria’s history 10 days you can see him working back to back and everything he promised during the campaign, one subsidy that whether you like it, fight , I must remove it he has done that.
“The exchange rate, single digit , he has done it and just yesterday they just signed teh retirement age of the judiciary to 70 years which is I think so far so good. i will score him 10/10.
“So far so good. Because all the promises they’ve made during campaign he’s doing it and you can see that he’s busy everyday.
you can see people troop into villa everyday. He said it that he’s not President for one region.
” He is father to all irrespective of where you are from, we are one Nigeria and he talked about equity and fairness . As a Nigerian you must be able to unite and be together and treat ourselves as one irrespective of whether you are Northerner or Southwest. Asiwaju’s time will be different because he believes in one Nigeria” .
