EndSARS aftermath: Ensure justice for all, Sultan urges President, governors

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III urges President Muhammadu Buhari and all politicians in the country to ensure justice for all Nigerians.

The President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) who is also “the Sultan” gave the advice at the emergency meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, held on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN, the emergency meeting was held as a result of the unrest in some parts of the country, arising from the #EndSARS protest, which was hijacked by hoodlums.

In his speech, he enjoined all politicians to work towards a better country;

“If really we want this country to move forward, we must change the way we do things.

“My message to President Muhammadu Buhari is that I urge him to be just always in whatever he is doing.

“I also advice governors to always be just in whatever they are doing.

“Justice is very important in any developing a society, community and even in our homes; without justice, there will be no peace.

“If you see problems crop up anywhere, there is a problem with justice and that is why we don’t have very good solutions.

“Sheikh Usman Danfodio said a nation can endure with unbelievers, but it cannot endure with injustice.

“Justice is the foundation of peace in every nation.”

He gave assurance that the national council of traditional rulers was always ready and would continue to work to make the country a better place where peace and justice shall reign.

“Like I always say, there is no institution in this country and, indeed, in the world where you can find the caliber of people that we have in the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria.

“We have people from all professions, from the military to which some of us belong, to engineers, customs officers and professors of universities.

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“We are going to be very blunt, open and frank on all national issues and we will send our recommendations to the President for implementation,” Sultan Abubakar said.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, also urged the Federal Government to create initiatives that would bring government closer to the people with a view to help traditional institutions.

“It is very important for that gap to be bridged so that issues experienced in Nigeria recently will not reoccur.

“It is a lesson for everyone of us and we must all work together to better the lot of the youths in this country,” Oba Ogunwusi said.

In his remarks, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha expressed the sympathy of the Federal Government for losses suffered by royal fathers, businesses, institutions and individuals during the recent protests.

He said the executive meeting of the traditional rulers was coming at a time that the leadership role of traditional leaders was very much needed to reset the national clock.

According to Mustapha, government eagerly awaits the recommendations of the traditional rulers.

He said that the recommendations would form inputs to enrich government’s policies, programmes and plans to address the demands made by the youths and many more, for the good of the nation.

“I, therefore, urge you to include, as part of your agenda for this meeting, discussions on the various challenges facing our nation and in particular, generate ideas and solutions to the consequences and lessons from the recent protests by Nigerian youths.

“As custodians of our culture and tradition, you are closest to the people at the grassroots.

“Your recommendations, I am sure, will reflect the true desires and aspirations of majority of Nigerians from all geo-political zones.”

He also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of traditional rulers to the successes recorded in the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic and elimination of polio.

“While so much has been accomplished, much more will need to be done to secure our nation for the future and to remain on the path to development,” Mustapha said.

The meeting was attended by Chairmen of the 36 State Traditional Councils of Chiefs, including the Federal Capital Territory.