Traditional rulers in Nigeria have charged President Bola Tinubu to bring down the high cost of living in the country by addressing the high cost of petroleum products, electricity tariff and agricultural inputs.
The traditional rulers made the call in a communique issued at the end of the quarterly National Executive Committee meeting of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria signed by the chairman, coordinating committee, Etsu Nupe, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar.
The council also recommended that traditional rulers should support the government for creating price control and commodity boards to effectively control prices of food items and other commodities.
They reiterated the view that the task of building a stable, strong and purposeful nation requires the involvement of every stakeholder, including most emphatically, traditional leaders, and urged all Nigerians to rededicate themselves to this noble and imperative duty.
“Members of council in the course of their deliberations frowned at the idea of the purported economic hardship protest. The idea is counter-productive and it could lead to wanton disruption of economic activities, disturbance of peace and loss of lives and properties. In light of this, we enjoin all and sundry to embrace dialogue in finding a solution to the impasse.
“Council noted the serious level of unemployment and the economic challenges facing the citizenry, all of which lead to youth restiveness and other security challenges. Council equally notes the various youth empowerment programs of the federal and state governments.
“Council therefore calls on the governments at all levels to ensure the proper implementation of those laudable programs; and calls on them to move vigorously to pursue effective economic programs that aim at poverty alleviation, infrastructure development and sustenance, employment generation, as well as demonstrate a renewed commitment to fight corruption in all its ramifications.
“Council noted the frequent consultation among traditional leaders and resolved to continue to meet, exchange ideas and examine the vital issues of nation building in the desire to promote community security, mutual understanding and national integration. Council further emphasised the importance of dialogue in resolving all contentious issues on nation building,” the communique stated.
It also recommended that traditional institutions, religious bodies, strong NGOs and trade unions should be used by the government for the implementation of policies and programmes.
“More Manpower and equipment must be provided for the military, police and paramilitary agencies to enhance security in the country. Cybercrime, human trafficking and other fraudulent activities should be tackled decisively by the relevant agencies of the government.
“Government should create an enabling environment to dialogue with our subjects, especially the youths through community engagement. The National Youth Service Corps members and other youth groups should be encouraged and supported to participate in agricultural activities to boost food production in the country,” they stated.
The traditional rulers also appreciated the federal government for the provision of palliatives, student loan schemes and the recently approved N70,000.00 minimum wage for Nigerian workers.
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