Council of traditional rulers stands with FG on planned nationwide protest
The National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria has frowned at the planned hardship protest billed for 1 Aug. 2024, saying it stands with the Federal Government.
The council’s stand on the issue was contained in a communique issued at the end of quarterly executive committee meeting of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria held in Abuja on Monday.
The communique which was signed by the chairman, Coordinating Committee of the Council, His Royal Highness, Alh. (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar, CFR, Etsu Nupe, revealed that the meeting was chaired by His Eminence, Alhaji (Dr.) Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, CFR, mni, the Sultan of Sokoto, and co-chaired by His Imperial Majesty, (Dr.) Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja Il, the Ooni of Ife.
It stated that the opening ceremony had in attendance, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, CON, CFR, as the guest of honour. Also in attendance were the members of the executive committee made up of all the chairmen of the traditional council of 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to the communique, after exhaustive deliberations by members of the council during the closed,-door session, the council noted and resolved as follows:
”The Council appreciates the Federal Government for the provision of Palliatives, Student Loan Scheme and the recently approved N70,000.00 Minimum wage for Nigerian workers.
“The high cost of living in the country should be brought down by the Government by addressing the high cost of petroleum products, high cost of electricity tariff and agricultural inputs.
“Council reiterates the view that the task of building a stable, strong and purposeful Nation required the involvement of every stakeholder, including most emphatically the Traditional Leaders and called on all Nigerians to rededicate themselves to this noble and imperative duty.
“The Members of Council in the course of their deliberations frowned at the idea of the purported Economic Hardship Protest. The idea is counterproductive and it could lead to wanton disruption of economic activities, disturbance of peace and loss of lives and properties.
” In the light of this, we enjoin all and sundry to embrace dialogue in finding solution to the impasse.”
They disclosed that the council was aware of the serious level of unemployment and the economic challenges facing the citizenry, all of which lead to youth restiveness and other security challenges.
“Council equally notes the various Youth Empowerment programmes of the Federal and States Governments.
Council therefore, calls on the governments at all levels to ensure the proper implementation of those laudable programmes; and calls on them to move vigorously to pursue effective economic programmes that aim at poverty alleviation, infrastructural development and sustenance, employment generation, as well as demonstrate a renewed commitment to fight corruption in all its ramifications.
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“Council noted the frequent consultation among Traditional Leaders and resolved to continue to meet, exchange ideas and examine the vital issues of Nation building in the desire to promote community security, mutual understanding and national integration. “Council further emphasised the importance of dialogue in resolving all contentious issues pertaining to nation building.
“Traditional institutions, religious bodies, strong NGO’S and trade unions (Teachers Union, Road Workers Union, etc) should be used by government for the implementation of Government policies and programmes.”
It noted that the traditional rulers support the government for creating Price Control and Commodity Boards in order to effectively control the prices of food items and other commodities.
“More Manpower and equipment must be provided for the military, police and other paramilitary agencies in order to enhance security in the Country.
“Cybercrimes, human trafficking and other fraudulent activities should be tackled decisively by the relevant agencies of the government.
“Government should create an enabling environment to dialogue with our subjects, especially the youths through community engagement.
“The National Youth Service Corps members and other youth groups should be encouraged and supported to participate in agricultural activities to boost food production in the country,” it stated.
The communique also disclosed that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who was the guest of honour at the meeting, appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the President Bola Tinubu administration and not to embark on protest against the government, even though the federal government is aware of the rising cost of food items and other essential commodities in the country.
