By Ihechi Enyinnaya
President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday met with selected traditional rulers in the country at the State House, Abuja soliciting for their support for his administration
At the meeting were the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; Emir of Kano, Emir of Fika, Tor Tiv, Chairman Imo State, Council of Traditional Ruler, and other notable kings and title holders.
At a meeting in the State House with a delegation of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria led by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji (Dr) Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, Buhari said: “we have heard the loud cries of our youth and children, and we are attending to their concerns.”
“To succeed in all of this, would require your support and voice to help amplify the message. Your proximity to the people places you in a unique position to communicate and ensure that our response is targeted and impactful.”
He described their “role as guardians of our traditional values and culture” as most critical and urged them not to compromise their neutrality “because this is what significantly confers on you, your moral authority and legitimacy.”
He said his Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, would lead senior government officials to various parts of the country “and directly engage with you as part of this process. He will be reporting back to me on your various perspectives.