…As Governor Uzodimma hosts inauguration of Southern Traditional Rulers Council
.
BY JENNIFER JOHN / OWERRI
.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that with unity Nigeria will make unimaginable progress, saying there are huge possibilities for the country in all spheres of human endeavour.
.
Tinubu stated this yesterday in his address during the inauguration of Southern Traditional Rulers Council held at The Rockview Hotels, Owerri, Imo
.
The President represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume said he was supportive of the idea, as he is a well known respecter of the traditional institution, describing them as father and custodians of the culture and tradition of the people.
.
He said no country, no matter how great can do without the advice of traditional rulers, even as he noted that from amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914, traditional rulers have been playing invaluable roles for the development and progress of the country, adding that “with support of father’s like you, we will continue to make progress”.
.
In his address at the occasion, National Coordinator of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma disclosed that effort to institute the council was started as far back as 2013, with the aim to bring traditional rulers in the Southern part of Nigeria together, to work in synergy with their Northern Counterparts for peace, unity and progress of the country.
.
Uzodimma said the council will serve as a veritable platform for unity and to promote the shared heritage of the Southern Nigeria, expressing sense of fulfillment that it was finally being realized through the inauguration, while describing it as historic that the inauguration was taking place in Imo State, under his watch as governor.
.
He therefore called on them to reach out to their Northern Counterparts and work with them to initiate and implement programmes, policies and actions that will improve the unity of the country.
.
Describing them as fathers of the nation, he posited that they must promote peace among their subjects and work for reconciliation, saying whether they have been assigned constitutional roles or not, they have enormous executive, legislative and judicial powers, entrusted on them by God.
.
The Coordinator urged them to always speak with one voice and dignity, be fair in their judgement and treatment of their subjects, as well as maintain the non partisan requirement of their throne, while playing complimentary role to Government in effort to maintain peace in the country.
.
The governor noted that the economic reforms policies of the federal government has brought some level of hardship, but posited that they will soon start yielding fruits that will lead to economic boom, adding that the security situation was steadily improving
.
Also speaking, the Governor of Ogun State, and Chairman, Southern Nigeria Governor’s Forum, Prince Adedapo Abiodun, commended Governor Uzodimma for successfully initiating idea Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, aimed at the unity of the Southern Nigeria for successfully hosting the inauguration.
.
He noted that the council will strengthen the bond between political leaders and traditional rulers of Southern Nigeria, as well as enhance the full recognition of traditional rulers as custodians of culture and tradition of the people.
.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman, Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, Oba Adeyemi Enitan Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife, described the council as a better platform to uphold the culture of the people of Southern Nigeria.
.
He appreciated Governor Hope Uzodimma for nurturing and bringing the idea to a reality, saying it is the very first encompassing gathering of the people of Southern protectorate, since the amalgamation in 1914, enthusing that, with the feat, Governor Uzodimma has made another indelible mark in the sands of history.
.
The Ooni promised that the forum will work in synergy for peace of Nigeria and furtherance of unity of Southern Nigerian monarchs, as according to him, traditional rulers are closer to their people and must work for them and not just wait for politicians.
Comment here