“If you see problems cropping up everywhere, there is a problem with justice and that is why we don’t have very good solutions."
The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, on Tuesday in
Abuja urged the federal and state governments to ensure justice and fairness to
all Nigerians.
The Sultan, who is also the President-General, Nigeria
Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), said this at an emergency NEC
meeting of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria on Tuesday in
Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the emergency
meeting was necessitated by the social unrest in some parts of the country
arising from the EndSARS protest.
The sultan also enjoined all politicians to work towards a
better country, saying “if really we want this country to move forward we must
change the way we do things.’
“My message to President Muhammadu Buhari is that I urge him to be just always in whatever he is doing. I also advice governors to always be just in whatever they are doing.
“Justice is very important in any developing society,
community even in our homes without justice there will be no peace.
“If you see problems cropping up everywhere, there is a
problem with justice and that is why we don’t have very good solutions.
“Sheikh Usman Danfodio said a nation can endure with
unbelievers but it cannot endure with injustice. Justice is the foundation of
peace in every nation,’’ he said
He assured that the national council of traditional rulers was always ready to work and make the country a better place where peace and justice shall reign.
“Like I always said there is no institution in this country
and indeed in the world where you can find the calibre of people we have in the
National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria.
“We are people from all professions, from the best
profession of all, the military which some of us belong, to engineers, to
customs officers and professors of the universities.
“We are going to be very blunt, open and frank on all national issues and we will send our recommendations to the President for implementation,’’ he said.
The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, urged the
Federal Government to come up with initiatives that would bring government
nearer to the people with a view to help traditional institutions.
“It is very important for that gap to be bridged so that
issues, experience in Nigeria recently will not reoccur.
“It is a lesson for every one of us and we must all work
together to better the lots of the youth in this country,’’ he said.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss
Mustapha, expressed the sympathy of the federal government for losses suffered
by royal fathers, businesses, institutions and individuals during the recent
mayhem.
He said that the executive meeting of the traditional rulers was coming at a time that the leadership role of traditional leaders was very much needed to reset the national clock.
Mr Mustapha said the government awaits their recommendations
as inputs that would help enrich the policies, programmes and plans.
The SGF said that the policies, programmes and plans would
be put in place, going forward to address the demands made by the youth and
many more, for the good of the nation.
“I, therefore, urge you to include as part of your agenda
for this meeting, discussions on the various challenges facing our nation and
in particular, generate ideas and solutions to the consequences and lessons
from the recent protests by the Nigerian youths.
“As custodians of our culture and tradition, you are closer
to the people at the grassroots and your recommendations, I am sure, will
reflect the true desires and aspirations of the majority of Nigerians from all
geo-political zones,’’ he said.
Mr Mustapha used the occasion to acknowledge the invaluable
contributions of traditional rulers to the successes recorded in the national
response to the COVID-19 pandemic and elimination of polio.
“While so much has been accomplished, much more will need to
be done to secure our nation for the future and remain on the path to
development,’’ he said.
The meeting was attended by the chairmen of 36 states Traditional Councils of Chiefs, including the Federal Capital Territory.
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