Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) has urged the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, to drop plans of challenging the results of the presidential election in court.
They also urged Atiku and those who lost to accept what they called “the will of God” and support President Muhammadu Buhari to move the country forward.
NCTRN Chairman and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, specifically called on Buhari’s co-contestants to support him to move the country forward
The elders described Buhari’s re-election as divine; for Nigeria’s progress and development.
The Sultan said this on behalf of the NCTRN, yesterday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, when he led members on a congratulatory visit to the president.
“As traditional rulers, we are not only custodians of our people’s cultures, values and traditions but also the custodians of the religious beliefs and conscience of our people.
“We are, therefore, fully aware that it is only God almighty who owns power and authority and who bestows this on whom He will, when He wills and how He wills. Therefore, your election as president for a second tenure should be seen as what God has destined and no one could have changed that. This result is the will of the Almighty God and therefore, we call on all to give you maximum support for the achievement of peace, development and progress of our dear nation.”
The NCTRN chairman charged Buhari to continue to exhibit the characters of justice and fairness as he leads the country.
He noted that the traditional institution as an enduring cultural heritage of its people would continue to serve as the bedrock of any administration in power.
Co-Chairman of the Council, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, said traditional rulers across the country have resolved to work closely with government.
He thanked Buhari for his willingness to work with the traditional institution, because of his believe in taking Nigeria to another level.
In his remarks, Buhari welcomed the traditional rulers to the “Next Level” and urged them to be prepared to play a crucial role in the prevention and detection of criminal activities in their domains.
He noted that involving the royal fathers became necessary in view of the deep knowledge of their localities.