President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should enlist the help of traditional leaders to address the issue of insecurity, according to Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi-Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife.
He delivered the speech at the State House Conference Center in Abuja, where the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) had paid the President a courtesy visit.
Ooni, who is also the co-chair of Nigeria’s traditional leaders, stated, “We would like to engage with you in a number of areas, one of which being security. We are not suggesting we are inactive, but it is time to employ us more so that your task is made simpler.
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“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”, he said.
Earlier, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, said the visit is a normal tradition by the monarchs whenever there’s a change in 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, who said the monarchs do not envy President Tinubu at this time with the numerous challenges facing the country, however, expressed confidence that with the combination of himself and Vice President Kashim Shettima, they will deliver.
He said: “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.”
Also in attendance is Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
Traditional rulers drawn from the country’s six geo-political zones attended the event.
