Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has hailed the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria under the Co-chairmanship of the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, for their relentless efforts at keeping the country together.
Wike gave the commendation on Monday in his office while hosting the traditional rulers who had paid him a courtesy visit.
He promised to always partner with traditional institutions, saying that is what is needed to move the country in the direction of unity, which, according to him, remains non-negotiable.
He said: “The Sultan and Ooni are my fathers.
“We are so grateful to be the State you have chosen to host this historic national event, which is the 9th General Assembly of The National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria.
“For us in Rivers State, the unity of Nigeria is very imperative and it remains non-negotiable.
“It is too important to be toyed with.
“That is why we will always partner with our traditional rulers as we have been doing.
“Gone are the days when the kings would only sit in their palaces restricting governance to the government alone.
“Every citizen of this country comes from a traditional ruler.
“So, we are all accountable to you no matter who we are be it president or governor.
“That’s how we do in this state as a government.
“Thank God the Chairman of the Rivers Council of Traditional Rulers is here, King Jaja of Opobo.
“He can testify.”
Speaking on behalf of the visiting monarchs, Ooni Ogunwusi, who is also the Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, appreciated the Governor and the people of Rivers State for hosting them at this period, which he said is a very crucial time in the country when unity must be the collective watchword.
He said: “We thank you Mr. Governor and your team for hosting the Nigerian traditional rulers who have come from all parts of the country to discuss on how to join hands with government for the unity and progress of Nigeria.
“We are here to see how best we can further cement our togetherness across all the districts within the North and South of the country because unity is all we need.
“As matter of fact, our first demand is unity, our second demand is unity and our third demand is unity.
“The truth be told, the traditional rulers are the closest to the grassroots.
“We cannot fold our arms.
“We must work together and join forces with the government and other leaders of thoughts in this country if truly we must progress as a people.”
Trending
- Traditional ruler shot dead inside palace
- Primate Ayodele to Yoruba Nation agitators: You can’t break Nigeria
- Police intercept bags of Indian Hemp at Lagos jetty
- Enugu, families to give Ibu, Junior Pope befitting burial
- Police arrest suspects for attempting to disrupt inauguration of commissioners
- Police rescue three children locked up by grandmother + Photo
- Police foil attack in Katsina, neutralise suspected bandit
- US vetoes Palestine’s request for full UN membership