PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari on Friday called on traditional rulers in the country to use their positions as the closest to the grassroots to secure the country and ensure that the forthcoming elections are peaceful.
He made the call while speaking during an audience with a delegation of traditional rulers from the Southwest of the country at the presidential villa, Abuja.
President Buhari said: “Those who fear that their people or their policies cannot win elections might resort to incitements to violence. Our young people must not be left to those who will instigate violence and cause others to lose their property or lives. We are determined to keep order and I hope Your Highnesses are on the same page with us.”
President Buhari also reiterated the commitment of his administration to infrastructural development across the nation, saying: “In every state in Nigeria, we are doing at least one major road project. In the Southwest, we are completing the Lagos to Ibadan expressway. The reconstruction of this road, which is the busiest in Nigeria, had not been given the attention it deserved till now.
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“We will complete the first phase of the railway, Lagos to Ibadan by the end of this month. We are also working on several power projects in the Southwest, of importance is the imminent completion of power supply to Ondo South where many of the local governments have not had power for years.”
The President said the nation could only develop if resources were spent on the people and facilities that would promote commerce and create jobs.
He commended the traditional rulers and especially the people of Southwest, for setting the example of religious tolerance and unity, saying, “It is to your credit as traditional rulers that such harmony between religions has been achieved.”
He also thanked the custodians of culture for the solidarity visit: “I am very much encouraged, and your support makes me even more determined to work with the best of my ability for this country and its people.”
According to a statement issued by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President (Media and Publicity), the delegation, led by the Ooni of Ife, and Co-chair of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, had commended President Buhari for placing the completion of the Lagos –Ibadan expressway on the front burner of the projects of the administration as well as the Lagos to Ibadan rail line.
The traditional rulers expressed appreciation to the President for the posthumous recognition given to M.K.O Abiola as President of Nigeria, urging him to continue the good works, and assuring that history will be kind to him.
They also asked for more developmental projects in the region.
Also on the delegation were the Alake of Egbaland, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, the Oloye of Oye Ekiti, the Olukare of Ikare Akoko, the Aseyin of Iseyin, Deji of Akure and the Alayemore of Ido Osun.
Speaking to State House correspondents after the meeting, the Ooni of Ife, explained that their visit to the president had no political undertone as he urged Nigerians to vote for any candidates of their choice in the elections.
He said: “We are not here for politics. We are fathers to all, very close to our people. The only politics we understand is politics of development.
“We are here to talk about development for our people in all the states of southwestern Nigeria.
“We here to point out the good things Mr President has been doing especially the cordial relationship with the Vice President who is from the southwestern part of the country. “
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Oba Ogunwusi added: “Our message is peace and peaceful coexistence among the electorates of this country. Elections are so close by, obviously, tension will build. What is critical is for us to know that Nigeria is greater than all of us. No amount of money they will promise the youths to disrupt and to destabilise the country, they should know they are making history for themselves.
“They will come and they will go but Nigeria will remain. We traditional rulers who are very fortunate to still be alive, we have experienced many presidents, many governors. A president cannot use more than eight years. That is in the constitution of Nigeria. So, Nigeria is greater than the president. Your maximum tenure is eight years.
“So, our message to everyone in Nigeria is that please, especially Nigerian youths, go and vote for whoever you want to vote for.
“Mr President even said it by himself, it is not a do or die. Whatever you want to use the power of your thumb for, go ahead and do it. We as traditional rulers are just here to play the fatherly role and make sure all is well in our nation.”
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