The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Traditional Rulers

  • Traditional rulers pass vote-of-confidence in Wike 

    Rivers State traditional rulers have passed a vote-of-confidence in  Governor Nyesom Wike for his developmental initiative, which is improving lives.

    The rulers, led by Chairman of Council of Traditional Rulers and Amayanabo of Opobo,  King Dandeson Douglas Jaja,  were in the Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday.

    Moving the motion for a vote-of-confidence in Wike, Eze Ekpeye Logbo, Eze Robinson O. Robinson said the rulers were happy with the performance of the governor.

    King Job Williams Okuruket-Nnabiget XIV, Okaan-Ama Ngo, who seconded the motion noted that Wike has entrenched good governance in Rivers.

    He said: “As fathers of the state and custodians of our culture and tradition, we acknowledge your laudable achievements since you emerged Governor of our state.

    “Your achievements are legion and for want  of space, we cannot enumerate all of them in this address. But suffice it to say, you have done us proud.  For the achievements and the level of development in every sector  of our economy.  We jointly and severally move a vote of confidence in you and your government.”

    Responding, Wike assured the rulers that his administration will continue to develop all parts of the state.

    He said: “This vote-of-confidence will enable us serve the people of Rivers State better. Our success was made  possible  because of the synergy between the state Executive Council and the traditional rulers“.

    The governor thanked them  for their support and their commitment to the state.

    “I thank our royal fathers for this  honour. I urge all Rivers people  to work for the development of the state wherever  they may find themselves.  We will continue to protect the interest of the state”, he said.

    The governor noted that Rivers people  must never see themselves  as second-class.  He said if there are first-class people, it would be  Rivers, whose resources feed the nation.

  • ARMTI engages traditional rulers to boost agric

    ARMTI engages traditional rulers to boost agric

    Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI), Ilorin, is working  with traditional institutions to strengthen rural infrastructure for empowering farming  communities.

    A  statement from the institute  said there was a need  for the traditional  institution to work with it to empower rural youth to realise their potential, and rural businesses to offer value added services.

    The institute, to this end, is organising a national seminar on harnessing the potential of traditional institutions for integrated agricultural and rural development.

    The seminar will hold March 15 at the institute’s campus in Ilorin. The keynote address will be delivered by he Etsu Shonga, Dr Haliru Ndanusa Yahaya (CFR).

    Besides, Dr Joseph Fayeye of the Sociology Department of the University of Ilorin, is expected to deliver a paper on the sub-theme The Ruler/Subject Relationship in Nigeria: An Overview.

    Former Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Gashua in Yobe State, Prof Sheu Ralma, will speak on Accelerating Sustainable Agricultural and Rural Development in Nigeria -the Traditional Institutions as a viable option.

    ARMTI will present a paper on Traditional rulers as change agents in Agricultural and Rural Development in Nigeria: a case study of the ARMTI – Village Alive Development Initiative (VADI).

  • Abubakar advocates legal backing for traditional rulers

    BAUCHI  State Governor Mohammed Abubakar has called for a better recogntion of the role of tradition rulers in the society through constitutional recognition.

    He reiterated his administration’s support for traditional institutions.

    He spoke when he received the new Emir of Katagum, Alhaji Umar Muhammad Kabir Umar.

    He said all support would be given to the Emir and Emirate, stressing that traditional institutions were integral to state building.

    Abubakar said the new Emir of Katagum was Allah’s choice, explaining that Allah only used him in selecting and appointing the new Emir to succeed his late father.

    The Governor recalled that when he kick-started his campaign in Azare town of Katagum Local Government Area, he vowed to follow the footsteps of the former Governor of Bauchi State, the Alhaji Tatari Ali, known to be non-discriminatory.

    Abubakar expressed his gratitude to the Emir and the people of Katagum Emirate for their unwavering support, and expressed satisfaction in the kind of people-oriented programs the Emir had already embarked upon.

    The Emir thanked Allah for making it possible for him to succeed his father and thanked Abubakar for installing him as the 12th Emir of Katagum.

    The Emir pledged his allegiance to Abubakar and his administration.

    He praised the Governor for the projects taking place in Katagum, recalling that one of the first contracts awarded by the Governor was that of the now famous Misau – Udubo – Gamawa road.

    Meanwhile, Governor Abubakar has approved the appointment of Dr. Auwal Ibrahim Amba as the Provost A.D Rufa’i College for Legal and Islamic Studies Misau in Bauchi State.

    This was contained in a statement signed by the College Registrar, Hamma Bashar.

    Other officers appointed included; Mallam Garba Musa (Registrar) and Mallam Muhammad Dahiru Ibrahim (Bursar).

    The tenure of the Librarian, Mallam Lamido bdullahi was renewed.

  • Lawmaker seeks constitutional roles for traditional rulers

    A lawmaker, Mr Victor Akande, called for constitutional roles for traditional rulers to accelerate peaceful coexistence and national development.

    Akande, who represents Ojo Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

    The lawmaker spoke during the conferment of a chieftaincy title on him as the Otunba Amo Eto of Ojokoro by Oba Rilwan Oluwalambe of Ojokoroland in Lagos.

    NAN reports that Akande’s wife, Olaide, was also made the Yeye Amo Eto of the area.

    According to him, the constitutional roles for the traditional institutions will also allow the royal fathers to effectively contribute to development in the society.

    “As political office holders, we are going back to our communities and become subjects of the traditional institution, so we should respect the institution while in office,’’ he said.

    He, however, urged traditional rulers to refrain from begging politicians for money to be relevant in the society.

    “They should do what is right at all times and guide our traditional institutions jealously.’’

    Akande, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Central Business District (CBD), also urged the constituted authorities to respect royal institution by preserving the cultural heritage.

    He said the roles expected to be played by the traditional institutions under democratic setting were been underestimated.

    Akande said Nigeria had not achieved sustainable development because government had not effectively harnessed potential of the traditional institutions.

  • Ijaws will have no inch of Edo land, say Edo traditional rulers

    Ijaws will have no inch of Edo land, say Edo traditional rulers

    Traditional rulers in Edo North and Edo Central Senatorial districts have risen in unison to warn that they would not allow the Ijaws carved out kingdoms out of an inch of Edo land.

    The traditional rulers said they backed the Edo State and Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, in the stopping of the installation of one Godwin Ogunyenbo as the Pere of Olodiama Kingdom in Ovia North east Local government Area of Edo state.

    Speaking on Tuesday at a press briefing, the traditional rulers said the only recognized king in Edo South is the Oba of Bénin and described as abominable attempts by some traditional rulers from Bayelsa and Delta States to install another king in Edo South.

    First Vice Chairman of the Edo State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs and Onojie of Opoji, His Royal Highness (HRH), Ehidiamen Aidonojie 1, urged security agencies to arrest and prosecute all the traditional rulers involved in the attempted coronation.

    His words, “It is misnomer for anybody to say Gelegele is part of Edo, Bayelsa and Delta States. A king from Bayelsa state came to the Oba last time to pay homage that his roots are here and now you see one Pere jumping over Warri to come here and install a king.

    “Our Oba has always welcome people. Late Okotie-Eboh was the Adolor of a Benin Kingdom. What the Pere from Delta and Bayelsa States did is unacceptable. The Portuguese entered Benin through Gelegele and it was the only port in Benin at that time.

    “If the Ijaws had wanted a chief, they would have pleaded with the Oba and he would have created a chieftaincy title for them. There can never be any other Kingdom in Edo South.”

    The Olokpe of Okpe, HRH Oba Idogun said they would not allow anyone or tribe trespass on any part of Edo land.

    His word, “Edo land is a property for the Edo people. We disagree with what the Peres of Bayelsa and Delta states did. We condemned their action.”

    Onojie of Ewu Kingdom, HRH Abdulrasaq Ojeifo, said it would be suicidal for any person to say he is king in Benin Kingdom.

    Ojeifo stated that it was a criminal act for anybody to declare himself king when the only recognized king is the Oba of Benin.

    He warned that the situation might degenerate to chaos and violence in the country if not well tackled.

    “We all know the history of Benin Kingdom. All of us both in Delta, Bayelsa have our roots in this Oba’s Palace. If you allow it to happen now, who knows where it will happen next. The title of Pere is not recognized by law.”

  • Ekiti monarch: Traditional rulers should play constitutional roles

    Ekiti monarch: Traditional rulers should play constitutional roles

    The Obalufon Alayemore of Efon Kingdom in Ekiti State, Oba Emmanuel Adesanya Aladejare, has said traditional rulers will not rest, until they are given constitutional roles in the polity.

    The first class monarch described constitutional roles for monarchs as part of the restructuring, being demanded in some quarters describing them as the closest to the grassroots, who articulate the needs of their people.

    Oba Aladejare spoke in his palace in Efon Alaaye at a press briefing to herald the launch of a book titled: “Ooni Obalufon Alayemore: The Founder of Efon Alaaye Kingdom.”

    The launch of the 1,420-page book is expected to hold on November 4, at the town’s Civic Centre at 11.00 am prompt.

    The Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, will serve as the Royal Father of the Day while the Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, will be the Chairman of the occasion.

    The proceeds of the book launch will be used for the development and reconstruction of the Palace of the Obalufon Alayemore “to meet with the standard befitting its status and in line with modernity.”

    Describing Efon as one of the ancient kingdoms in Yoruba land, Oba Aladejare said work on the book project started nine years ago and it was a legacy to hand down to the future generations.

    On constitutional roles for monarchs, Oba Aladejare a former university don, said: “The politicians have been dragging their feet on it because they believe we want to compete with them.

    “It is part of the restructuring people have been clamouring for; people live under us and we interact with them on daily basis. It is the Obas that have been articulating the needs of the people.

    “It is an abnormality that no constitutional role has been give to traditional rulers. We will continue to advocate for it until we realize it.”

  • Wanted: Constitutional roles for traditional rulers

    Wanted: Constitutional roles for traditional rulers

    Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) practitioners have brainstormed with traditional leaders on governance, reports JOSEPH JIBUEZE.

    What role should traditional institutions play in governance? What are the barriers to their effectiveness in national development?

    These were among issues discussed at a policy dialogue on Harmonising International and Traditional Conflict Resolution Mechanisms for Economic Recovery and Growth.Organised by the Lagos Court of Arbitration (LCA), in partnership with the Centre for Public Policy Alternatives (CPP).

    Its theme was: Institutional evolution: Impact on the polity and growth of the Nigerian economy.

    In attendance were the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, the Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II (represented), and the Amadabo of Ada-Ama, Twon-Brass in Brass, Rivers State, Serena Dokubo-Spiff.

    The event brought together alternative dispute resolution (ADR) practitioners, legal experts, community rulers, and business executives.

    Also at the event were former Lagos Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Olasupo Shasore (SAN), Visiting Professor of Economics at the American University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, Prof Melvin Ayogu.

    Igwe Achebe said traditional rulers played important roles in dispute resolution and fostering peace, which he said were essential for socio-economic growth.

    He said there was a traditional court in the Southeast where people go to for resolution of disputes rather than going to the court.

    “I resolved a case that has lasted for 17 years in court. Generally speaking, our system is faster and more cost effective,” the Igwe said.

    He noted that the Supreme Court had upheld the traditional court’s decisions, but regretted that the traditional institution has no legal instrument to enforce its verdicts.

    Yet, he said people rarely flouted the judgments because of trust and respect for the traditional rulers.

    Sanusi, represented by the Sarkin Shanun of Kano, Alhaji Shehu Mohammed, said despite monarchs not being accorded recognition, they still commanded respect and enjoyed the people’s loyalty and trust.

    For instance, he said former President Olusegun Obasanjo sought Sarduana of Sokoto’s intervention to get northerners to embrace polio immunisation.

    The Emir said traditional institutions deserved constitutional recognition and roles.

    “The arguments for a constitutional provision to accommodate and provide such a space for the traditional institutions to operate within the existing democratic structures certainly have merit…it will be important to find ways in which local, state and Federal Governments can work more closely with them as ambassadors of peace,” Sanusi said.

    Dokubo-Spiff faulted the political class for whittling down the powers of traditional rulers and diminishing their authority.

    “Currently, the power and influence of traditional institutions have been greatly diminished; most traditional rulers have their existence at the pleasure of the prevailing authority,” he said.

    According to him, considering the enormous influence traditional rulers wield, the country would gain more by making better use of them.

    He said the ongoing constitutional amendment was an opportunity to accord recognition to the traditional institution.

    Dokubo-Spiff said: “It makes eminent sense that these structures and institutions be accorded their rightful place with their inclusion in the scheme of things.

    “Excluding them, jettisoning them, or minimising them in a way whatsoever must never be an option. That would be tantamount to the nation shooting itself in the foot.”

    LCA President Mr. Yemi Candide-Johnson (SAN) said the dialogue’s goal was “to illuminate the fundamental role of traditional institutions in governance and dispute resolution”.

    He noted that civil justice outside the courts was largely altered since about 1863 when the common law of England was “imposed”.

    However, Candide-Johnson said there was an effective dispute resolution system long before the common law was introduced.

    He quoted Sir Henry Morton Stanley (1841- 1904) in his work African Survey published in England, who said: “It would be a mistake to assume that primitive Africa made no provision for the decision of contentious issues.

    “There existed everywhere a recognised means of securing decisions on them, beginning with the arbitrations by family heads, or heads of kin-groups and ending with the more formal adjudication by a chief, or a chief and his council, or some forms of clan or tribal head…”.

    Candide-Johnson said the LCA  was established for the purpose of providing institutionalised arbitration and ADR services , and promoting dispute resolution as a key pillar of a safe and progressive business environment through advocacy, training and modelling of dispute resolution solutions for a range of commercial relationships.

    Shasore, also a former LCA president, said despite the position of the Constitution on traditional leadership (non-elected office holders), traditional rulers and their institutions had survived and thrived.

    “It’s because they are an integral part of our society, norms and belief system. There is a gap, a constitutional amendment that needs to be addressed if traditional institutions and their leaders are to fully occupy their place in developing Nigeria,” he said.

     

  • ‘Traditional institution is vital to development’

    Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun has said traditional institution is a critical segment in the nation’s quest for egalitarian society. He said traditional rulers always work towards creating opportunities for socio-economic development of their communities.

    The Governor stated this at the official installation and presentation of staff of office to Oba Olusegun Oludolapo Ogunye (Ilufemiloye Koko 1), as the new Ojotumoro of Abigi Kingdom.

    He was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Jide Ojuko. The event was held at Abigi Comprehensive Grammar School, Abigi in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.

    Police and other security agents were present to ensure security of people and their properties. Traditional rulers, political stalwarts, dignitaries, family members and well-wishers who dressed gorgeously from across the country were present to rejoice with the Kabiyesi.

    Governor Amosun congratulated the people of Abigi on maintaining peace and tranquillity during the interregnum, adding that their patience had led to the successful completion of events leading to the official installation of the oba.

    “Kabiyesi, to whom much is given, much is expected. I enjoin you to collaborate with other obas within Ijebu Traditional Council and mobilise your subjects for effective discharge of their civic and social responsibilities such as prompt payment of taxes and other levies, ensure peaceful co-existence with others in order to maintain law and order,” Amosun said.

    Speaking at the event, the Awujale of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Adetona,  who was represented by the Dagbure of Idowa, Oba Yinusa Adekoya, advised the new monarch to use his wealth of experience as a legal practitioner to transform the community, even as he urged him to put tradition first in the scheme of things in order to have a successful reign.

    In his welcome address, the Chairman of Ogun Waterside Local Government Area Hon. Femi Onanuga, described the Senator Ibikunle Amosun-led administration as people-oriented, adding that the governor’s massive rural development agenda had ensured that dividends of democracy reached every nook and cranny of the state.

    In his speech, Oba Ogunye pledged to serve his people with fear of God, assuring that his tenure would usher in massive development. He urged all sons and daughters of the community at home and in the Diaspora to join hands with him to move the community forward.

  • ‘We must have a say in how we’re governed’

    ‘We must have a say in how we’re governed’

    Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, was again chosen as a place of history as many Yoruba leaders, including governors and traditional rulers, converged on the city penultimate week for a summit. At the historic meeting, similar to that of 1956, a common position was taken on the need for the restructuring of Nigeria and the model to be adopted.

    The summit brought several Yoruba socio-cultural and political groups together under one platform to tackle a common problem. For the first time in many years, for instance, members of Afenifere sat together with their peers in the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) and members of the two factions of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) sat together and spoke in one language.

    So were governors under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Members of the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) and Atayese also addressed the gathering. Former ministers, traditional rulers, activists, professionals, artisans, students, market men and women and others coalesced at Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba Ibadan to be part of history.

    After the meeting which lasted six hours during which frank contributions were entertained, the summit made what it described as the ‘Ibadan Declaration,’ urging the Federal Government to urgently restructure Nigeria along regional lines. They called for a return to the 1960 and 1963 Constitutions of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with relevant modifications which gave more powers to the regions.

    The highlight of the summit was the participation and endorsement of the position by Southeast and South-south ethnic groups which were represented by their leaders.

    In his goodwill message, Chief John Nwodo, who led a delegation of the Igbo nation to the summit, expressed strong support of the Southeast people for the agitation for restructuring. He said the Igbo are clear in their agitation for regionalisation to allow rapid development.

    “I came here with a large delegation to show solidarity for this summit. Today’s event shows that democracy is growing in Nigeria. Since after 1963, Nigerians have not been allowed to have their say in the way they are being governed. The Igbo are saying it loud and clear that we must have a say in how we are being governed,” he said.

    While highlighting the potential of Nigeria in wealth creation and ability to become great, Nwodo referred to the example of Netherlands which he said earns about $18 billion yearly from its agriculture sector.

    According to him, the size of Netherlands is not up to the size of Niger State of Nigeria. With fertile land all across Nigeria, Nwodo said restructuring would allow each federating unit to untilise its resources for advantage.

    Chief Albert Hosefall, who led a delegation of South-south ethnic groups, also lent the support of his people to the agitation, saying the Yoruba are welcome to the move for resource control.

    “We thank you because you have caught the fire of agitation. We don’t want a federation run on unitary system of government,” he said.

    The contributions and support of the South-south and Southeast regions widened the scope of the agitation for restructuring in Nigeria. Observers believe that the wind of restructuring blowing across the entire three regions in Southern Nigeria is a call for change which is too strong to be defeated.

    However, the new position is a revival of the idea and move by former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2000. Tinubu had established the Southern Governors’ Forum in 2000 with a clear aim of making all the states in Southern Nigeria speak with one voice for the progress of the three regions in particular and Nigeria in general.

    The former governor, at the time, looked beyond political party affiliations by extending invitation to all the other 16 governors in the South. Tinubu also added a seat for the governor of Kwara, suggesting that the state is largely southern in composition given that over 70 per cent of those indigenous to Kwara State are Yoruba. Shortly after, the Northern Governors’ Forum was formed.

    Though the idea succeeded for a while, political factors and suspicion that Tinubu was trying to force himself as a leader on other governors made the project crumble. But the Ibadan Declaration, which came 16 years after, confirmed that the agitation has always existed in the deep part of the heart of southerners.

    This time, the summit, which was chaired by legal luminary, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), issued a 16-point communique which emphasised the urgent need to practise true federalism. The communique also highlighted the details of the expected reform including fiscal analysis of a restructured Nigeria.

    Babalola, who set the tone for the summit, said many of the problems confronting Nigeria currently derived from the partitioning of Africa by the European colonialists for their selfish economic interests.

    Tracing Nigeria’s development, the legal icon recalled that the country witnessed its greatest development under the 1963 Constitution.

    He said: “Our country’s history is replete with the incontrovertible fact that Nigeria witnessed her greatest and fastest economic, political, social and educational development during self-government and the First Republic. Each of the regions was fairly autonomous and could legislate over a number of items which have, at present, been taken over by the Federal Government. It was during this period that each region began its own regional developmental efforts. There were mutual healthy rivalries to compete for development.”

    Drawing the gains of the 1963 period over the current system in a thorough comparison, Babalola said the next generation of Yoruba children will condemn their leaders’ silence if we refuse to speak out and take the right position now.

    He emphasised the imperative of restructuring, stressing that the wind of restructuring is blowing over Nigeria.

    The lawyer posited that “restructuring would enable each state to control its population, set internationally-acceptable standard for admission to tertiary institutions to ensure quality education, which will, in turn, restore our universities’ glorious years.”

    Others who addressed the gathering included National Leader of Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasoranti; Chairman Afenifere Renewal Group, Hon. Wale Oshun; Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose; Femi Fani-Kayode; Chief (Mrs) Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, President-General Yoruba Council of Elders, Chief Idowu Sofola (SAN), Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, Tokunbo Ajasin and representatives of the governors of Oyo, Ondo, Ogun and Osun states. They all spoke in favour of restructuring.

    The summit was also attended by former Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN), Prof. Banji Akintoye, Otunba Deji Osibogun, Senator Gbenga Kaka, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Mr Yinka Odumakin, Yoruba social cultural groups, professional bodies, market leaders, youth groups, friends of the Yoruba nation and Yoruba from Kogi and Kwara states.

  • Paris Club refund: Buhari decries governors handling

    Paris Club refund: Buhari decries governors handling

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday met with members of the National Council of traditional rulers and decried the way the Paris Club Refund was spent by some state governors.

    The Federal government had on May 4 released details of the second tranche of Paris Club refund to States totalling N243. 795 billion.

    The refund is in respect of over-deductions on Paris Club, London Club Loans and Multilateral debts between 1995-2002.

    The President, who met with the traditional rulers at the new Banquet hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja frowned at the inability of the affected state governments to pay the retirement benefits and outstanding salaries of workers with the payment of the refund.

    “We have to digress this much because I would like to convince you that I’m living with the problems of this country day-by-day, and mostly those of the ordinary people.

    “There are Nigerians that haven’t been paid for six months; there are Nigerians that have not been paid their retirement benefits for years.

    “I’m appealing to the governors, (that was why we voted money, we borrowed money), please make sure anybody under you, pay them because most of them depend on that salary to pay rent, school fees,’’ he said.

    He pledged that his administration would continue to do its best in executing developmental projects to uplift the standard of living of all Nigerians irrespective of their geo-political backgrounds.

    The President noted with delight that the country would be witnessing bumper harvest across the country, this year.

    He said the bumper harvest was as a result of the prayers of Nigerians which was graciously answered by God.

    “We are lucky, last year and this year, the rainy season was good. If it were not good, I’m confiding in you, which country shall I run to? But God answered the prayers of most Nigerians.

    “The rainy season last year was good, this year, from the reports I’m getting, it is good. We thank God for that, only God can do that for us otherwise there would have been lot of problems in this country.

    President Buhari thanked the traditional rulers for their continued prayers and support to the government and urged them not to relent in efforts toward ensuring peace and stability in their respective domains.

    He enjoined them to continue to educate their people on the need to ensure the continued survival of Nigeria as a geo-political entity.

    Earlier in his remarks, the Sultan of Sokoto, Dr Sa’ad Abubakar, said the traditional rulers were in the Presidential Villa to wish the President and the country well and to express their unflinching support for the administration.

    He, however, challenged the President to tight up his belt in the discharge of his responsibilities for the betterment of the country.

    The Sultan reassured that the traditional rulers would continue to pray for the good health of the president as well as peace and prosperity of the country.

    The Sultan also expressed the willingness of the traditional rulers to continue to partner with the government in the fight against corruption and other social vices in the country.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that six traditional rulers, one from each geo-political zone of the country, spoke at the occasion where they reassured the support of their zones for the Buhari administration as well as the continued existence of Nigeria as one country.

    The Lamido of Adamawa, Alhaji Barkindo Mustapha, who spoke on behalf of the North-East traditional rulers, also offered special prayer for God to continue to give the President good health to enable him deliver on his promises to Nigerians.