Protests: Tinubu Meets Traditional Rulers

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday met with traditional rulers from across the country, led by the Sultan of Sokoto and the Ooni of Ife, it was appears to be strategic responses to next week’s planned protests by unidentified groups.

Also in attendance were several federal cabinet members, the Chairmen of the Nigeria Governors Forum, and the Progressives Governors Forum.

The Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Inspector General of Police, and the National Security Adviser were also in attendance.

The meeting follows an earlier one with All Progressives Congress governors, which lasted over an hour.

Speaking to State House Correspondents, Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Bamalli, after the meeting President Tinubu urged citizens to remain calm and patient, emphasising the importance of heeding government guidance.

The Emir highlighted insecurity as a major issue, particularly in northern Nigeria, stating that resolving it would allow farmers to return to their farms, significantly alleviating hunger. He expressed concern over the protests, referencing global precedents where governments have fallen, but remained optimistic about Nigeria’s potential to regain its status as Africa’s leading nation

He said: “The message we are taking back to our people is to be calm, exercise patience, to also listen to the words of wisdom coming from the Government.

“The President has given us the blueprint of what he has been doing over time and we are hopeful that by God’s grace it will be alright.

“Though we have made it very clear to him, the main problem in this country, especially the north is insecurity. If the security situation is addressed certainly people will go back to their farms and the issue of hunger will drastically reduce and disappear.”

Asked if the traditional rulers were worried about the protest, he said: “There’s nobody that will not be worried about the protest, in any place in the world and we have seen what has happened in other climes and governments were brought down. As an ex-diplomat, I have seen what happened in other climes and that is why I am in the position to say what happened in other places. So we are calling on our people to exercise patience and to listen to the words of wisdom. We are very optimistic Nigeria will bounce back to its former position as the leading country in Africa.”

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on his part expressed excitement over the government’s unprecedented outreach, stating it fosters a vital connection between leadership and the people.

He said the meeting aimed to strengthen dialogue and governance, addressing the pressing concerns of Nigeria’s youth and the broader population.

The monarch acknowledged the civic right to protest but cautioned against potential hijacking by individuals with ulterior motives. Emphasizing unity, the Ooni urged citizens to avoid violence, reflecting on the destructive outcomes seen in other nations.

Dein of Agbor, Ikechukwu Gbenoba, also speaking noted the government’s recognition of the youths’ pivotal role in Nigeria’s future. He urged young people to refrain from violence, drawing parallels to Libya’s turmoil, and encouraged collaboration with the government to seek solutions instead of destruction.

The meeting included key officials like Vice President Kashim Shettima and various state governors, highlighting the administration’s commitment to dialogue.