President Bola Tinubu and Senate president, Godswill Akpabio, have asked traditional rulers to use their positions to spread the messages of love and brotherhood in the country.
In their separate interventions during the turbaning of the senator representing Nasarawa West Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, at the palace of the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage Mohammed 1, the duo said the traditional institution was critical to enhancing enduring peace, the country desperately sought at this trying times.
Wadada, who is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Account, was conferred with the traditional title of Magajin Dangin Lafia Bari-bare by the Emir of Lafia.
Represented at the occasion by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, (SGF), Senator George Akume, Tinubu emphasised the urgent need for cross-cultural harmony among the diverse groups in the country championed by the traditional institutions.
The president described Wadada as a “patriot and bridge-builder”, pointing out that the honour was a recognition of the senator’s moral fortitude and grassroots appeal.
He hailed the Lafia emirate for honouring Wadada, while urging him to use the traditional title to promote peace and unity among the people.
On his part, Akpabio, represented by the deputy senate president, Barau Jibrin. commended the emir for considering “one of our own” worthy to be bestowed a traditional title.
The senate president described the turbaning as a recognition of Senator Wadada’s contribution to the development of Nasarawa State and the country at large.
He noted that Wadada will continue to serve as a bridge between the traditional institution and the people, fostering unity and development.
In his speech earlier, the emir of Lafia recounted the interwoven legacies of his late father, Chiroma Bage, and Alhaji Danyaya, father of Senator Wadada, noting that, “this honor is a continuation of their legacy. Senator Wadada stands today as a symbol of loyalty, service, and heritage”.
The emir reiterated the traditional institutions’ commitment to upholding traditional values and promoting good heritage through merit recognition.
He urged him to use his new position toward the promotion of unity, solidarity and mutual respect by upholding the tenets of traditional institutions and the heritage which the emirate stands for.
