Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council has condemned in very strong terms the murder of the emir of Gobir, His Royal Highness Alhaji Isah Mohammed Bawa, allegedly by his kidnappers.
The council also decried the spate of killings, kidnappings, and banditry across the country, describing them as sources of huge concern that demand urgent attention by the government and the security agencies.
In a statement by its publicity secretary, His Eminence, Dr Eberechukwu Oji, Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom, in Umuahia, Abia State capital, the council expressed shock over the incident.
While expressing sadness over the incident and situation, they commiserated with the Sokoto State government, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, and the family of the deceased over his death.
“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 the 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 the target of kidnappers.” according to the statement.
The council, therefore, called for an immediate end to the ugly trend of kidnapping and killing of traditional rulers and other citizens across the country.
“The monarchs are aware of the harsh economy and will continue to engage the authorities to make life easy for 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 the country. As such, it will only continue to deter foreign investments in our country.”
“The council urged the Nigerian Labour Congress and other groups to suspend their October 1 planned protests and to embrace dialogue to avoid putting further strain on the economy and the citizens.”
“The 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.”
According to the statement, the council was formally inaugurated on 30 July 2024 at Owerri, aiming “to work in synergy for the peace of Nigeria and the furtherance of the unity of the Southern traditional institution”.
