The Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council has decried the spate of killings, kidnappings and banditry going on across Nigeria in recent times, describing the violent incidents as a source of grave concern that demand urgent attention by the government and security agencies.
In a statement issued by the Publicity Secretary, His Eminence, Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom, the Council also condemned the recent shocking murder of His Royal Highness, Alhaji Isah Mohammed Bawa, the Emir of Gobir in Gwata town of Sokoto State, by some kidnappers.
Expressing their sadness, the southern monarchs commiserated with the Government of Sokoto State, the Sultan of Sokoto, and the family of the deceased emir over the painful loss. The Council is worried that the unscrupulous killers do not understand that traditional rulers are the custodians of our culture and heritage, the link to our past, ancestors and nation’s history which should not be desecrated. Even more, the royal fathers do not hold any key to the national purse or receive direct government allocations that should make them target of kidnappers.
Therefore, the Council has called for an immediate end to the ugly trend of kidnapping and killing of traditional rulers and other Nigerians across the country. At the same time, the royal fathers are not oblivious of the current harsh economy of the country and will continue to engage the constituted authorities to make life easy for all Nigerians as we need peace and unity to forge ahead and overcome these trying times.
Furthermore, the Council has called for restraint on incessant calls for strikes and protests by diverse groups in Nigeria as such will only continue to deter foreign investments in our country. Most especially, the Nigerian Labour Congress and other groups allegedly planning another protest on October 1st of 2024 are advised to shelf the idea and embrace dialogue in order to avoid putting further strain on our economy and the citizens. Nigeria needs peace and all hands on deck to make the country work.
In all, the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council also urged the Executive, Legislative and Judicial arms of government to remember their oaths of office, and work for better living conditions and a sustainable economy for the citizens.
The Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) was formally inaugurated on 30 July, 2024 at Owerri “to work in synergy for the peace of Nigeria and the furtherance of the unity of the Southern Traditional Institution” with the motto “Togetherness, Strength and Progress”.
The following executive council members were also inaugurated: Chairman, The Ooni of Ife; Co-Chairman, Obi of Obinugwu; Co-Chairman, Jaja of Opobo; General Secretary, The Dein of Agbor; Assistant Secretary, Olofin of Isheri; Publicity Secretary, Eze Aro; Financial Secretary, Alara of Ilara; Treasurer, Amanyanabo of Abonnema; Welfare Secretary, Elegushi of Ikate; Legal Advisor, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN.
