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Tag: Muhammadu Sanusi

  • Tension in Kano as DSS, Police surround Sanusi’s palace

    Tension in Kano as DSS, Police surround Sanusi’s palace

    • •State government blames FG for incident   
    • •Emir calls for calm

    Armed police personnel  and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) yesterday cordoned off the Kofar Kudu Place of the  16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, sparking tension all around the metropolis.

     The police and the DSS gave no reason for their action.

    But the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, accused the Federal Government of ordering the blockade of the palace.

    He hinted that it was to stop Emir Sanusi from going to Bichi,about 50 kilometres from Kano.

    “The emir was to escort his district head of Bichi, Wamban Kano; pray with him there and then come back. We were all invited and then we woke up to this. We asked the reason and they told us it was an order given to them from above. Who is there above? It’s the Federal Government,” The Daily Trust quoted the SSG as  telling a local radio station.

    But Sanusi himself called for calm during the sermon he delivered  during the day’s Jumat prayers within the palace.

    The Nation gathered that Sanusi was scheduled to present the staff of office to the new district head of Bichi yesterday.

    Reports from Bichi itself suggested that the venue of the planned event  was equally blocked  by security agents.

    Sources also said the Emir had planned to have a meeting  on the Nigerian economy, especially on the issue of tax reform with some experts and later relate the discussion to religious leaders in his sermon during yesterday’s Jumat.

    Read Also: Dangote, marketers seal deal to avert fuel scarcity at yuletide

     Regardless  of the police presence, Emir Sanusi rode on a horseback to the mosque .

    In his sermon, he cautioned his followers against resorting to violence in response to the situation.

     “I warn you against falling into the traps of Kano enemies who want to see Kano on fire. They always want to see killings, destruction of public properties and maiming of innocent lives,” he said.

     Continuing, he said:”Islam has counseled us to be patient at any given time, whether in a difficult situation, at peace, or when you come under attack, for us to be great.

     “But by refusing to be patient creates uncertainty, difficulties and in the end, everyone will suffer losses.”

     His  current trying moment on the  throne, according to him, is nothing but a journey into success, stressing  that with patience, he would  surely emerge victorious.

     “That is why anybody who loves us and supports us should at any given time shun violence no matter the provocation,” he said.

    We’re dismayed, says Kano State Govt

     The Kano State  Government condemned the blockade of the palace entrance.

    Information Commissioner  Halilu Baba Dantiye, described the development  as unfortunate and expressed  “its profound dismay and deep concern over the reported blockade of the entrance to the Kofar Kudu palace of the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II by heavily armed security operatives.

     “This unfortunate development has raised tensions and caused distress among the residents of Kano and the surrounding communities.

     “The Government is committed to maintaining peace, stability, and the rule of law across the state. We strongly condemn any action that disrupts the peace or undermines the dignity of traditional institutions, which are central to the unity and cultural heritage of our people.

     “While the government is working to ascertain the reasons behind this incident and engage with the relevant authorities to ensure a swift and peaceful resolution, all residents are hereby urged to remain calm, law-abiding, continue with their normal daily activities and refrain from spreading unverified information that could fuel unnecessary panic and tension.

     “The Kano State Government remains resolute in its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of its people and ensuring the continued stability of our great state,” the Information commissioner stated.”

    FG is to blame, Kano SSG

    The Daily Trust reported SSG Bichi as saying on a local radio that the Federal Government masterminded the palace blockade.

    His words: “We were really surprised waking up to this development with police sealing off the entrance to the palace of Kano Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II.

    “What surprises us the most is that Kano is peaceful but it’s just a few people that have backing from Abuja that don’t want Kano to be peaceful.

    “The emir was to escort his district head of Bichi, Wamban Kano, pray with him there and then come back. We were all invited and then we woke up to this. We asked the reason and they told us it was an order given to them from above. Who is there above, it’s the Federal Government.

    “We in Kano have resolved to stay in peace, peace will reign and nobody will come to Kano and destabilize that.

    “The emir has appointed the district head and it stands, he will take him to his place and whenever he is ready to go there, we are going there with him, no going back.”

    Sanusi and Aminu Ado Bayero who was dethroned by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf are locked in litigation over the rightful occupier of the throne.

    Governor Yusuf had in May 2024, signed a new emirate law that dissolved the previous five emirates of Kano, Bichi, Gaya, Rano and Karaye created by his predecessor, Dr.Abdullahi Ganduje.

    The new law dethroned all the first class emirs of the five emirates, who were appointed by Ganduje  and created a single Kano emirate with Sanusi as the only first class emir in the state.

    However, Bayero went to court to challenge the legitimacy of his removal.

    The emirate battle is currently  being heard by  the Federal High Court, State High Court and the Appeal Court.

  • Muhammadu Sanusi reinstated as Kano emir

    Muhammadu Sanusi reinstated as Kano emir

    The 14th Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II is back on the throne after four years hiatus.

    His dethronement by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje’s government in 2020, was reversed yesterday as Governor Abba Yusuf reinstated him.

    The reinstatement followed the signing of Kano State Emirates Councils (Repeal) Bill 2024 by Governor Yusuf.

    The governor declared: “Today, by the special grace of Allah, the Kano State House of Assembly has concluded one of their constitutional legislative duties that they started a few days ago.

    “Today, the Kano State Emirates Council, Law 2019, the Kano State Emirs (Appointment and Deposition) (amendment) law 2019 and the Kano State Emirates council, (amendment) Law, 2019, that balkanised the over 1,000-year old Kano Emirate has been repealed.

    “A moment ago, I also exercised my constitutional duty by signing the Kano State Emirates Councils (Repeal) Bill 2024 into law.

    “From the very moment I signed that bill into law, it means that all appointments made in accordance with that 2019 law are voided and the balkanised Kano Emirate has been restored to its original pre-2019 status.

    “The repeal of the 2019 law means that there is no emir in Kano State as at now. Guided by the provisions of the Kano State Chiefs and Emirs (Appointment and Deposition) Law 1984 and the Kano State Emirate Council Repeal Law 2024, with full support of pre-2019 kingmakers, I have approved the reappointment of Malam Sunusi Lamido Aminu Sunusi (Muhammadu Sanusi II) as the new Emir of Kano.

    “May I announce that the five former emirs affected by the Kano Emirates Councils (Repeal) Law 2024 are given 48 hours from this hour to vacate official residences, palaces, offices and handover all properties of the former emirates to the Hon. Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy affairs,” the governor said.

    Read Also: Muhammadu Sanusi vs the North

    While extending best wishes and prayers for the success, guidance and protection of Emir Sanusi, Governor Yusuf called on residents to go about their normal day-to-day businesses peacefully.

    “Let us unite and join forces together to collectively rebuild our dear State,” he requested.

    How the new law favours Sanusi for reinstatement

    The new Kano State Emirate Council Law 2024 yesterday signed by Governor Abba Yusuf dethroned Alh. Aminu Ado Bayero as Emir of Kano.

    The law is blind to all that has happened during Bayero’s reign but recognises Sanusi as the Emir of Kano.

    The law also recognises the century mono emirate than the multiple (five) emirates created by the Ganduje administration.

    “All traditional office holders and title holders elevated or appointed to office created under the repealed Principal law, dated 5th December, 2019 shall revert to their position where such positions previously existed under recognized custom and traditions prior to the enactment of the repealed Principal Law dated 5th December, 2019,” the law says.

    Also according to the new law, “the governor shall take all necessary measures to restore the status of the Kano Emirate System to its positions prior to the enactment of the repealed Principal Law dated 5th December, 2019.”

    The new law also empowers the state deputy governor to oversee all transitional arrangements including how best to deal with assets and liabilities of the abolished emirates and new structure created under the repealed Principal Law dated 5th December, 2019.

    Bayero fled before dethronement

    Unlike Sanusi who was escorted outside Kano to Nasarawa state upon his dethronement, Aminu Bayero reportedly left the palace and Kano to Ijebu Ode on Wednesday and paid a visit to the Awujale of Ijebu Land Oba Sikiru Adetona. He reportedly left for Ilorin, the Kwara State capital. But checks by The Nation last night indicated that he was not in Ilorin.

    It was learnt that Bayero’s exit from town followed a tip he got that all was set for his dethronement.

    He reportedly heeded the advice to leave town ahead of the action by the state government, to avoid open humiliation.

    Sanusi, who became emir in the final term of Rabi’u Kwankwaso as governor, was dethroned by former Governori Ganduje, who was deputy governor at the time the monarch was installed.

    Security beefed up in Kano:

    Kano remained calm yesterday in spite of the sack of the five emirs and reinstatement of Sanusi. Security was tightened as all the security agencies were deployed to safeguard lives and property during the process that led to Sanusi’s reappointment as Kano emir.

    Northern Elders express concern

    The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has expressed concern over the dethronement of Kano Emirs.

    The Forum on the other hand blamed the previous administration for creating new emirates, saying such action threatens the unity and cohesion of the traditional structure and undermines the centuries-old customs, values, and traditions that are the bedrock of Nigerian society.

    In a statement by its Director of Publicity and Advocacy, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman the Forum warned that the crisis in the Kano emirate has significantly raised public tensions and concerns.

    It however urged the Kano State government and the involved politicians to handle the situation with utmost care and professionalism to prevent further escalation. 

    “It is important for all parties involved to approach this matter with the utmost care and professionalism, keeping in mind the potential consequences of their actions. Rash decisions and inflammatory statements can only serve to worsen the situation and jeopardize the peace and stability of the state,” NEF stated.

    The Forum also called on the public to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing that violence and unrest would only further divide the community and hinder peaceful resolution efforts.

    The Elders emphasized the need for unity and mutual understanding during this crisis, noting that, the traditional institution in Nigeria has long faced challenges that have rendered it weak and ineffective.

    According to NEF, “creation of multiple emirates in Kano is a deliberate attempt to weaken the authority of traditional rulers, making them more susceptible to political control and manipulation. The arbitrary dethronement and replacement of high-ranking traditional rulers in Kano, according to the NEF, undermine their authority and legitimacy.”

    Emir Sanusi was in Port Harcourt when the news broke that he had been reinstated. He was there to deliver a paper during the economic summit organized by the Rivers State Government.

    The Emir had to rush through his paper before he was hurriedly escorted out of the hall on his way out of the state.

    Fubara hails reinstatement 

    Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has congratulated His Royal Highness, Muhammad Sanusi II on his reinstatement as the 14th Emir of Kano.

    Fubara said that he received the report of the reinstatement of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), with great excitement.

    He said it came at a time Khalifa Sanusi II was in the state to add impetus to his administration’s initiative to reshape the economic trajectory of the State.

    The governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi, said the reinstatement by the Kano State Government showed that Sanusi’s dethronement on March 9, 2020, was against the wishes and aspirations of the great people of Kano.

    He commended the Kano State Government for listening to the yearnings of the people, and acting to correct the wrongs of the past.

    The governor urged the people to give the Sarki of the ancient city of Kano the maximum support to succeed.

    He also urged the spiritual leader of the Tijanniyah Sufi order of Nigeria, Emir Muhammad Sanusi II, to lead the over 50 million adherents of the Sufi order in Nigeria with love, wisdom and courage while bringing lasting peace, justice, equity and fairness to all in the city of Kano.

    He wished the 14th Emir of Kano a successful and fruitful reign that would bring progress and prosperity to the people of the State.

    Dethronement: DSS debunks raiding palace of Kano emir

    The Department of State Service (DSS) yesterday denied storming the palace of the emir of Kano.

    The agency described as “untrue and fabricated” the story that their men had stormed the palace in the wake of the abolishment of the emirates council and dethronement of the five emirs by the amendment law.

    The Department State Director, Muhammad Alhassan, said there was nothing like their men going to Emirs Palace as reported.

    He said what happened was that the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu was visiting Kano on an assignment and also scheduled to visit the Emir’s Palace but learned that the Emir was out of town making her to postponed the visit.

    “We drafted our men as part of our schedules on the visit of the First Lady Oluremi Tinubu but learned that She was not going there and we have withdrawn our men.

    “Therefore the story that our men stormed the Emirates Council in the wake of the happenings with regards to the Emir(s) false, malicious and did not happened,” he said.

  • Breaking: Kano Emirate: ‘My appointment not meant to spite Emir Sanusi’

    The newly appointed Emir of Bichi, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, on Thursday advanced reasons why he accepted his appointment, saying it was not meant to spite Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi.

    In a press conference, the Emir of Bichi, Bayero categorically stated that, he never lobbied to become the Emir to downgrade Emir Sanusi.

    According to him, what people should take cognizance of is that since time changes things, l accepted it in good faith.

    Bayero said history have it that”From 1963 when his late father became Emir of Kano till date, a lot of changes had taken happened and would continue to happen.

    Let me give example with myself. l was appointed Danmajen Kano I 1990 by my late dad; I later became Danburan Kano, then Turakin Kano to Sarkin Tsakar Gida and finally to Wamban Kano it may interest you to know that l have never gone to anybody asking for any of these appointments.

    “Again from the time my late dad became emir to the time he died, he saw a lot of changes and he accepted them in good faith. Historically the Police, Prisons, customs, Judges and schools were initially under the emirates, but as time went by, they separated and our forefathers had accept the changes.

    Read Also: Kano gives staff of office to four emirs

    “For me, having five Emirs in Kano will not affect its development. lf the Emirs have the concern about development of Kano, they can work together and move the state forward. There is no difference between all of us” he noted.

    While commenting on the relationship with the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi ll, Bayero noted that,”Sanusi is my brother. He has respect for me and I have respect for him. l am from a royal family. When he was appointed Emir, I was among the first set of people that paid homage to him and l gave him my support and l will continue to support him.

    “So, because I am appointed Emir, l don’t think he will not support me to succeed in all my undertakings. l have no grudges against him whatsoever and I don’t think he has any against me, he stressed.

  • Stop electing leaders without education to public offices – Sanusi

    Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, on Saturday advised Nigerians to stop electing leaders without education into public offices.

    He said Nigerians in the past had elected or chosen to elect leaders who had no education and thus could not give an education when they were elected.

    The former Central Bank of Nigeria governor spoke at the 6th convocation ceremony of Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, where he was conferred an Honorary Degree of Science along side the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III.

    He said: “We have to take an interest in the quality of our leaders and representatives in the level of education. If you look around this country at many levels of leadership, we have elected and we have chosen to elect people who do not have an education. And because they are not educated, they cannot give an education.

    “We need to lay more emphasis on the quality of people we elect to executive and legislative offices and we need to make sure that those to whom we entrust policy are themselves educated and know the value of education.”

    The Emir also advised the Federal Government to invest the trillions of naira it was spending on subsidising petroleum products on educating the young ones in the country.

    According to him, the money spent on building roads, bridges and trains should first be used to educating the young ones, noting that development was first and foremost about people.

    Sanusi said: “Let us invest more in education and let us give up some of the privileges that we have such as the trillions we are spending subsiding petroleum products. That money should go into educating our young people.

    “We are spending too much monies on roads and bridges and trains and too little money educating our children. Let us educate these young people and they will build the roads, train and bridges. We do not need to invite the Chinese to do that for us. And until the leadership at all levels in this country and the followership understand that this is what is most important, because I do understand sometimes that if a governor does not build roads or bridges, he is seen as not have been performed by the people.

    Read Also: Sultan, Sanusi, Ooni, others: embrace peace

    “We build all these highways and there are more pedestrians on the highways than cars and those pedestrians are most often people without education and help. Development is first and foremost about people.”

    He also blamed northern leaders for failing to provide the enabling environment for children in north to attend schools.

    Earlier in his remarks, Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Huseyin Sert, said 21 students were awarded First Class degree out of the 365 graduands.

    He said: “In this 2017/2018 session, we are glad to celebrate our 6th convocation ceremony with a total number of 365 graduands made up of 21 first class honours, 67 Second Class Upper, 96 Second Class Lower and two Third Class.

    “Indeed, the turnover of graduands from the university has justified our vision and mission statement of producing quality graduates who shall be full of knowledge, skills and experience to contribute to technological and economic development nationally and internationally.

    “The university expresses its gratitude to all those that contributed to the success of this occasion which enabled us to actualise our dream of being one of the best tertiary institutions in the world. We particularly felicitate with both graduating students and their parents for their high sense of duty and commitment in making their stay in the university a fruitful one.”

    Also, the Alaafin of Oyo commended the institution for the award, saying that it will spur him to do more for society.

  • Era of undermining states’ economy is gone – Osinbajo

    Era of undermining states’ economy is gone – Osinbajo

    Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on Monday said that the Federal Government would continue to encourage partnership among states for their development.

    Osinbajo spoke in Epe at a 2-day Lagos-Kano Economic and Investment Summit with theme: “States Partnership as a Tool for Sustainable Economic Development.”

    Osinbajo said that the Federal Government would not undermine the economy of any state, adding that the era of doing so was over.

    “On our own part, the Federal Government will support the efforts of all state governments to reform their economies, to attract investment and to collaborate with one another.

    “The days where the Federal Government will sit to undermine governors and their administrations are now behind us,” he said.

    He said that the state governments could attest to the fact that President Muhammadu Buhari was deeply committed to helping every state achieve its full economic potential.

    “As a government, we have been careful not to hold back information from the states, because we realised that development can only happen in an atmosphere of trust and collaboration,” Osinbajo said.

    The Vice-President noted that if the nation’s economy must be reviewed, there was need for states to leverage and synergise on their comparative advantages to improve their economy.

    “This development will as well rub on the nation’s economy and in the overall benefit of the citizenry,” he said.

    He commended both state governments for the initiative, saying that it was in line with the federal government’s economic recovery growth plan.

    He said that the Federal Government would pay serious attention to the outcome of the summit to help guide and direct its engagement with the two states.

    Osinbajo said that going by the current and projected rate of urbanisation, cities, not countries would propel the economy of the future.

    “Cities around the world existed longer than the countries to which they belong.

    “Lagos and Kano are as much cities as they are states. Long before Nigeria existed, both cities existed as important regional centres of trade and commerce,” he said.

    He said that the summit would provide the opportunity for both states to accept themselves economically.

    Osinbajo said it would also give room for them to see rapidly emerging opportunities, as well as ride the ways of investments and innovation to become truly globally competitive, and to show the way to other states.

    In his remarks, Gov. Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State called for more inter-regional trade and cooperation among states.

    According to Ambode, Nigeria should start thinking ahead, because the country’s economy still remains dependent on oil.

    He said that Lagos State would partner Kano State in areas of transport infrastructure, road, rail lines, education, market development, security, among others.

    His Kano state counterpart, Alhaji Umar Ganduje, who listed several similarities between his state and Lagos, was optimistic that the summit would generate perspectives that would lead to future prosperity for the two states.

    The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi, Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos, Gov. Abubarkar Bagudu of Kebbi State, were among dignataries at the summit.

    NAN

  • Sanusi worried over use of hate speech in social media

    Sanusi worried over use of hate speech in social media

    Emir of Kano, His Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II, on Monday in Kano condemned in the strongest terms the usage of hate speech in the social media calling on relevant authorities to checkmate the menace before it drags the country into anarchy.

    The Emir who spoke through the District Head of Rogo, Alhaji Muhammad Muhammad Muaraz noted that, political leadership across board must arise and fight against the usage of hate speech.

    He added that Nigeria is on the pa

    th to anarchy, owing to reckless use of hate speeches on social media platforms.

    Read Also: Fulanis are not criminals, says Emir  Sanusi

    The monarch stated this in his remarks during the opening session of the 2nd NUJ National Conference Kano 2018 with the theme, “Hate Speech: Halting the Tide before It Is Too Late”.

    He lamented that, “indiscriminate use of words that are provocative posses the danger of leading the country towards anarchy.”

     

     

  • Buhari in Kano for two-day official visit

    Buhari in Kano for two-day official visit

    President Muhammadu Buhari arrived in Kano on Wednesday for a two-day official visit to the state.

    Report said Buhari was received at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport by Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje, members of the State Executive Council, Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, traditional rulers as well as politicians, among others.

    A mammoth crowd was also at the airport and along the major streets in the metropolis, giving the president a rousing welcome.

    The President is expected to inaugurate a number of projects executed by the Ganduje administration during the visit.

    Read also: Buhari arrives Jordan to participate in counter-terrorism summit

    Among the projects are the ultra modern Specialist Hospital, Giginyu, named after the him and a Peadiatric Hospital located on Zoo Road, Kano,and the underpass bridge at Madobi/Panshekara Junction.

    On the second day, the President will inspect a rice mill, Fullmark Rice Mill Company at Kwanar Gunduwawa, and Gezawa Oil Mill, the largest oil mill in Africa at Tokarawa Industrial Estate both on Hadeja Road.

    Buhari is also expected to meet with Ulamas and hold an interactive session with community leaders and politicians before returning to Abuja.

    NAN

  • Emir Sanusi attributes quest for illegal migration to poverty, unemployment

    Emir Sanusi attributes quest for illegal migration to poverty, unemployment

    The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, has attributed the excessive quest by Nigerian youths to engage in illegal migration to poverty and unemployment.

    The Emir made the remark on Thursday in Kano when the President and members of Pan African Institute for Global Affairs and Strategy ( PAIGAS )paid him a courtesy visit.

    According to him, the hunger to move across the shores of this country in an elusive search for greener pasture abroad can be effectively tackled when viable alternatives are made available to engage youths.

    He called on the leadership of the country to rise up to the challenge by creating an enabling environment that would encourage wealth creation and empower the youth population in Nigeria.

    The monarch commended PAIGAS for the initiative to partner the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to sensitize corps members against illegal migration.

    According to him, as leaders, we must do everything possible to give the youth population in Nigeria a hope of a better future.

    Earlier, President of PAIGAS, Amb. Martins Uhomoibhi informed the emir that their visit to Kano was to sensitize corps members on the dangers associated with illegal migration.

    According to Uhomoibi, the sensitisation is part of the NGO’s contribution to the development of the society.

    “My youth service year experience in Koko; Kebbi, inspired me to rededicate my life to serve Nigeria throughout my life time on earth,” he said.

    Uhomoibi described the emir as a unique personality who combined the rare attributes of royalty, tradition and diplomatic experience.

    He expressed delight for the honour to visit the emir.

    NAN

  • Emir of Kano calls for peace, unity among Nigerians

    Emir of Kano calls for peace, unity among Nigerians

    The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, on Tuesday urged Nigerians to live in peace with one another irrespective of their religious or ethnic affiliations.‎

    Sanusi made the call during the traditional Hawan Nasarawa activities held at the Government House, Kano. ‎

    The Emir advised adherents of the Islamic faith to practice the lessons of Ramadan for peace to reign in the country.‎

    He also urged the state government to enlighten the people of the state, especially the youths on the importance of peace.‎

    Sanusi called on the state government to provide pesticides to farmers whose crops were affected by insects and pests in some local government areas of the state.‎

    He also urged the ‎government to ensure improved sanitation in the state.

    The state Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, thanked the Emir for his contribution to peace and unity in state.

    “We are very grateful for your call on peaceful co-existence due to‎ the position of Kano as centre of commerce and industry.‎

    “We also want to emphasise the need for peaceful co-existence because it is the tool for achieving unity and progress as no nation can make progress without unity,” the governor said.‎

    NAN

     

  • Hate speech: Osinbajo urges Northern traditional rulers to speak up

    Hate speech: Osinbajo urges Northern traditional rulers to speak up

    Acting President Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday met with Northern traditional rulers and charged them to always speak up against hate speeches and divisive voices in their respective domains.

    In his opening remarks at the meeting held at the old Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, Osinbajo said the meeting had become imperative in view of a spate of divisive statements in recent weeks, pitching the South-East against the North.

    He maintained that the divisive rhetoric and agitations were unjustifiable, unacceptable and often times illegal.

    “You are, by virtue of your vast knowledge, wisdom and experience, both a vital link with our past, and an important guarantee for the success of our future. This is why your role in national affairs is critical.

    “The reason for these series of meetings is well known to all of us; it became necessary in the wake of a spate of divisive statements, in recent months and weeks, pitching the South-East against the North.

    “We are all aware of the so-called ‘ultimatum’ issued by a group of Northern youths, asking that all Igbos living in the North vacate the region.

    “Before then, there was the clamour, and it’s still on-going, by some south-eastern youths, operating as IPOB and affiliated groups, demanding secession from Nigeria at all costs and by any means.

    “In all our previous engagements with Northern and South-Eastern leaders, we all came to the consensus that Nigeria is stronger and better together, and that these hate-filled and divisive rhetoric and agitations are unjustifiable, unacceptable and often times illegal. And I would like to reiterate that today.” he said.
    The acting president said that the traditional rulers had a great role to play in checking the divisive tendencies in the country.

    He stressed that Nigeria had already seen enough violence and bloodshed during its history.
    According to him, the price of Nigeria’s unity has already been paid with the blood and lives of hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians lost.
    Recalling President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to one Nigeria from his experience in the military, Osinbajo said that Buhari fought side by side with Nigerians of every tribe and faith.
    The acting president said: “We must protect each other, put our lives on the line for each other; we were brothers even in the face of death. This is the type of nation we must maintain.
    “As royal fathers and leaders, I think you will agree with me that we all have a role to play in countering the voices of divisiveness, and the elements who seek to take us down a bloody path.
    “Let us continue to counsel the misguided elements among our youth, who think that ethnic confrontation is a game and that words can be thrown around carelessly without repercussion.’’
    Osinbajo assured the traditional rulers that the “government is not deaf to the legitimate concerns and frustrations in parts of the country.
    “Every part of Nigeria has its own grievances. But these have to be expressed graciously and managed with mutuality rather than with scorn and disdain.
    “I would like to assure you all that we are here to listen and to answer, and, very importantly, to reassure everyone that we are committed to the unity of Nigeria, and that upon the foundation of that unity we can together build a prosperous and great country.’’
    He urged all Nigerians never take the nation’s diversity for granted, saying the fullness of the nation’s strength “actually lies in that diversity.

    “And we must wield that diversity, not as divisive tool, but instead as a binding agent.

    “As we round up these consultations tomorrow with a meeting with governors, it is clear to me that we are all resolved to by words, conduct and action, promote the unity of our dear nation.” he said

    He, however, assured that the government would ensure that “the entire apparatus of government is deployed to ensure that no one threatens Nigeria’s territorial integrity and that no one threatens the lives or livelihoods of any Nigerian living anywhere in the country’’.

    While thanking the traditional rulers for their unyielding cooperation and support, Osinbajo prayed that almighty God would continue to give them the wisdom and the strength to preside over their Kingdoms and the good health to reign long and reign well.

    Among those who attended the meeting included the Sultan of Sokoto, Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III; Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi and the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar.

    Others were, Alhaji Muhammed Isah Muhammed, the Emir of Jama’a in Kaduna State, Justice Lawal Hassan, the Emir of Gummi; the Coordinator of the Northern traditional rulers council, Sakaruyi of Karo Dr. Emmanuel Kyauta, and the representative of the Emir of Katsina, Prof. Sani Lugga ,the Waziri Katsina.

    The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambari; Alhaji Mustapha Agwai II, Emir of Lafia in Nasarawa State; Alhaji Kyari Umar El-Kanemi, Shehu of Bama representing Shehu of Borno and the Gbong Gwon Jos, Jacob Buba Jang, also attended the meeting.

    Also at the meeting were Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar, Emir of Gombe; Ndakwo Ameh Oboni II,Attah Igala,Kogi State; Alhaji Muhammadu Ibn Abali, the Emir of Fika inYobe;, Alhaji Attahiru Ahmed Muhammed Emir of Anka in Zamfara and Prof. James Ayatse, the Tor Tiv.

    Alhaji Adamu Baba Yinusa, theEmir of Abaji,FCT; the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari; Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonaya Onu; Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Danbazzau; National Security Adviser, Babagana Munguno, and Speaker of the House of Representatives,Yakubu Dogara also attended the meeting.

    The Acting president on Sunday met with traditional rulers from the South- East in continuation of his on-going consultative meetings with leaders of thought across the country.

    Osinbajo will on Wednesday meet with the 36 governors of the federation as part of the on-going consultative meetings with stakeholders in the “Project Nigeria”