NKRUMAH BANKONG-OBI/Lafia

Traditional rulers in Nigeria have called on the citizens to pray for and be patient with their leaders. They also tasked their countrymen and women to pay more attention to uniting the nation and ensuring its indivisibility. This advice was given by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III at the fifth anniversary of the coronation of the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage Mohammed Rtd., in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital on Saturday.

The Monarch who is also the Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers, NCTRN, noted that there are problems and challenges confronting the nation. He added however that, secession is not the panacea to such issues. He implored Nigerians to rather pray for their leaders to succeed, because they are human beings too and require prayer and support to make any meaningful headway in tackling the nation’s challenges.

Speaking directly to the leaders, the Sultan said it is imperative that they make progress towards addressing the economic and security challenges confronting the country. “We know that our leaders are trying but the people are in a hurry to see positive changes that will renew their hopes for a better life,” he advised.

The Sultan who said the array of royals at the event was indicative of the unity in their ranks, called on Nigerians to emulate the custodians of the traditional institutions. “We are showing the whole world that royal fathers in this country are united, just look at the list of traditional rulers from the six geopolitical zones that honoured this occasion.”

The Shehu of Borno, Ibn Umar-Garbai encouraged Nigerians to always provide credible intelligence to the security agencies to enable them stay ahead of criminals. “When we keep quiet about the activities of criminals in our areas, we are inviting problems. So, we should continue to enlighten our people to work with security agencies.”

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State while welcoming the monarchs for gracing the occasion, congratulated Justice Bage Mohammed who is also the Chairman of the Nasarawa State Traditional Rulers Councils for clocking five years on the throne. The governor pledged to work harder to improve on the infrastructure of the State.

In a speech laden with appreciation, Emir Bage Mohammed thanked God for sparing him. He appreciated his fellow royals and well-meaning Nigerians who came to celebrate with him.