Mohammed Shosanya
Traditional rulers in Nigeria have urged the federal government to reduce the high cost of living, petroleum products, electricity tariff and agricultural inputs.
They said this in a communique after their quarterly national executive meeting of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria.
The Chairman, Coordinating Committee, His Royal Highness, Alh. (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar, Etsu Nupe, signed the communique.
The traditional rulers expressed that the planned protests will be counter- productive and it could lead to wanton disruption of economic activities, disturbance of peace and loss of lives and properties.
In their resolution, the Royal Fathers said: “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 noted 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 programs of the Federal and States Governments.
“Council therefore calls on the governments at all levels to ensure the proper implementation of those laudable programs; and calls on them to move vigorously to pursue effective economic programs 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.
“The Members of Council in the course of their deliberations frowned at the idea of the purported Economic Hardship Protest. The idea is counter- productive 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.”
In their resolution, the Royal Fathers emphasized the importance of dialogue in resolving all contentious issues pertaining to nation building.
“Traditional institution,religions 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.
“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.”
George Akume,Secretary to the government, who was a guest of honour at the meeting explained the federal government’s initiatives, programmes and projects aimed at ameliorating the various economic, political and social challenges across the country.
In his opening address, the Co-Chairman of the Council and the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, emphasized the very important and crucial role the Traditional Institution plays in national peace, security and unity and further advised that Traditional Rulers should be legally connected to our people at the grassroots in act of governance.
The meeting was chaired by His Eminence, Alhaji (Dr.) Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, and Co-Chaired by His Imperial Majesty, (Dr.) Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife.
