The specifics of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Friday meeting with traditional chiefs have been made public.
According to Abiodun Oladunjoye, Director of Information to the President, Tinubu briefed the royal fathers during an interactive session organized by the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) about his administration’s decision to end fuel subsidies, enhance security, create jobs, and protect the environment, as well as the impending election of the 10th National Assembly’s principal officers.
“We are all ears. We are ready to listen at any given time. I promise you an open-door policy; that is how I will go. That open-door policy is for you to call me and send me any concerns you might have at any time.
UPDATE: Tinubu To Meet Traditional Rulers Today
“We may not have it right 100 per cent of the time, but we must get it right 90 per cent of the time for this country,” he said.
The President reassured the traditional leaders over the challenges facing the nation, adding, “Worry not because the country is in good hands.”
He continued by saying that his administration is well aware of Nigerians’ expectations.
President Tinubu pleaded with the traditional leaders to convince Nigerians to have trust that petrol pump prices will eventually go down in response to the decision to abolish fuel subsidies, which several speakers at the conference supported.
“I am grateful you are paying attention to what I have been doing. You have paid attention to the subsidy removal. Why should we, in good heart and sense, feed smugglers and be Father Christmas to neighbouring countries, even though they say not every day is Christmas?
LATEST: Tompolo Sends Message To Politicians, Traditional Rulers
“The elephant that was going to bring Nigeria to its knees is the subsidy. A country that cannot pay salaries, and we say we have the potential to encourage ourselves. I think we did the right thing,” he said.
President Tinubu promised that his administration would remove any obstacles preventing the Nigerian people from progressing while noting concerns about the need for vital infrastructure in various regions of the nation.
“The lamentations about the capital projects—where will the money come from if we don’t protect our resources and boundaries? You cannot have development without capital projects,” he added.
The President asked the royal fathers to advise their people interested in elective positions on the need to control their ambitions and foster peace within the legislative house when it came to the National Assembly’s leadership.
President Tinubu stated that the Nigeria project is of utmost importance to him and that he is prepared to collaborate with any elected official from the National Assembly.
Igbo Group Writes Lagos Govt, Traditional Rulers Over Tribal Clashes
“Nigeria must survive. Nigeria must develop. Nigeria must make progress,” he said.
On security, the President reiterated his pledge to Nigerians to prioritise the sector until every Nigerian “goes to sleep with their two eyes closed.”
He emphasised that the unity and togetherness of the country cannot be compromised, saying that every region of the country would get what it is due.
“We are going to tackle youth unemployment. Only when we have prosperity for the country can we create jobs to employ our youths,” he said.
Condemning crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region by a ‘tiny percentage’ of the population, President Tinubu said it was counterproductive to the economy’s growth.
“We need to tame those involved in this sabotage, and we will work as hard as possible to ensure that the diversity of this country is used for its prosperity, growth and stability.”
Igbo Traditional Rulers Call For Peaceful March 18 Elections In South-East
“That’s devolution of power, and that should be our contribution to the developmental projects you are looking for, and we will continue in ways that will help our people,” he said.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Saad Abubakar, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, each spoke separately and vowed the support and devotion of traditional leaders from the six geopolitical zones to President Tinubu.
They promised the President that they would continue to pray for his steadfastness in pursuing his mission of Renewed Hope for the nation.
“We are 100 per cent in support of your government, and we believe in the will of the Almighty Allah that you will move this country forward,” the Sultan said while congratulating him and Vice President Kashim Shettima on their election victory, peaceful transition, and assumption of office.
UPDATE: Council of Traditional Rulers Across Nigeria Write Tinubu
“We will contribute our quota to the country’s development once you reach out to us,” the Sultan added.
The Ooni of Ife expressed delight that the country has remained united and focused despite the challenges.
Follow us on Facebook
Post Disclaimer
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author and forum participants on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Anaedo Online or official policies of the Anaedo Online.