The National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) has vowed to maintain neutrality in all its activities to enhance peace, unity and overall progress in the country.
Sultan of Sokoto, who is also the Chairman of the council His Eminence Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III made the pledge in his opening remarks at the 12th General Assembly of the council held in Kano state North-Western Nigeria.
He said the unity of the country is very paramount, that’s why he called on all the participants to continue working towards bringing the country together considering the themes of this year’s event.
“We want to assure all political leaders of our neutrality in whatever we do because we care for this country and our people. We will continue to help to stabilize this nation.
“Let the political leaders have confidence in this institution because we are here to support and help them and inshallah this country will continue to grow stronger and stronger and became united,” the Sultan said.
The sultan further enjoined Nigerians to beware of the coronavirus as it is real and keep observing Covid 19 protocol as laid down by constituted authority and accept the vaccination as a means through which the country will bring an end to the pandemic.
Declaring the assembly open, the Kano state governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje thanked the (NCTRN) for allowing kano to host this year’s General assembly at a time when peaceful coexistence, unity of the country and elimination of coronavirus are of paramount importance.
“This assembly has come at a time when our country particularly the northern region is faced with enormous security challenges inspite of the measures evolved by the government at various levels to check the menace.
“This, therefore, informs the need for the royal fathers here present to focus much attention on scouting the remedies for this serious menace,” Ganduje said.
According to the governor, Kano state is somehow spared the menace of insecurity and enjoys relative peace because of the commitment of his administration to nip any anticipated criminality in the bud.
The hazy weather which resulted in poor visibility in Kano state prevented many important personalities from attending the event, including the special guest of honour, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Mr Boss Mustapha.
Others are co-chairman of the event his majesty Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ooni of Ife, minister of special duties and inter-governmental affairs Senator George Akume as well as health minister Dr Osagie Ehanire among others.
The 12th general assembly with the themes; Imperative of unity, peace and development: the role of traditional rulers. And Covid 19: the role of traditional rulers for successful vaccination and prevention, draws its participants from all the custodians of people’s cultural heritage from 36 states and FCT.
Zainab Sa’id
