President Bola Ahmed Tinubu called for a closer cooperation with traditional rulers across Nigeria, asserting that they play a vital role in pacifying peace, security, and national unity. He did so by pleading during a meeting of revered royal fathers at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Tinubu praised the monarchs for being the most accessible link to the people and stressed that their words mean a lot in policy formulation and addressing local problems. He stated that the government will fail without their blessings and advice.
He urged them to keep on spearheading communities, especially in areas battling insecurity, poverty, and restlessness among the youth. According to Tinubu, when the government works together with traditional leaders, the result comes earlier and individuals develop more trust in them.
Traditional rulers have, in the past, played a crucial role in Nigeria’s local governance, especially before and during colonialism. In recent times, they have played a major role in mediating conflicts, fighting insurgency, and calming ethnic tensions. During the #EndSARS protests in 2020, some of them helped ensure that the violence did not escalate in their domains.
Tinubu also promised to engage them more frequently through platforms and open dialogue. His government, he indicated, would seek to formalize a national council of traditional rulers so that they may have a stronger voice in national development.
Traditional leaders reappeared by thanking the president for recognizing their value. They pledged to work with government moves aimed at restoring peace and development, especially in volatile regions.
They also expressed fears over growing insecurity, rural infrastructure deprivations, and a need for improved economic prospects for youths. Tinubu reassured them that his government is acting to right these wrongs through continuous reforms.
Overall, President Tinubu’s message emphasizes the necessity of government and traditional institutions working in harmony. With increasingly mounting challenges on the ground in Nigeria, most believe that incorporating revered royal voices could actually serve to restore trust and bring meaningful change.
