June 09, (THEWILL) – President Bola Tinubu, on Friday, in Abuja, met with traditional rulers at the Conference Centre of the Presidential Villa.
The meeting, which commenced at 10:15 GMT, has royal fathers from the six geo-political zones of the country in attendance.
Sultan of Sokoto and co-chair of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, who led the monarchs to the meeting, said the visit is a normal tradition by the monarchs whenever there’s a change in the leadership of the country.
He said the monarchs are people of different professions from the military to judiciary and businessmen, who have what it takes to contribute to the betterment of the society, saying, “Whenever you reach out to us, we will be here.”
The Sultan said the monarchs do not envy President Tinubu at this time with the numerous challenges facing the country but expressed confidence that with the combination of himself and Vice President Kashim Shettima, they will deliver.
“We thank God for the smooth way the elections took place. Many negative people thought this country would 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,” he said.
On his part, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi-Ojaja II, advised President Bola Tinubu to make use of traditional rulers, being the closest to the people, to tackle the issue of insecurity bedevilling some parts of the country.
The Ooni, who is also the co-chair of traditional rulers of Nigeria, said: “There are areas we would like to work with you, one of which is security. It is time to use us more, we are not saying we are idle but to make your work easier, use us.
“The foundation of this country today is 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.”
Along with the Sultan of Sokoto, and the Ooni of Ife, were other royal fathers including Emir of Kano, Obi of Onitsha, Tor Tiv, Etsu Nupe, Deji of Akure, Shehu of Borno, Elegushi of Ikate, Jaja of Opobo, Lamido of Adamawa, Emir of Zauzzau, Gbong Gwom Jos, Attah Igala, Alake of Egbaland, Shehu of Borno, and a representative of the Oba of Benin.
Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, also joined the President to receive the traditional rulers.
