2019 Polls: Buhari, Ooni, Others Meet Over Sustenance Of Peace

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday played host to the Ooni of
Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and other traditional rulers from the
Southwest, where he urged them to use their positions as the
closest to the grassroots to secure the country and ensure that the
forthcoming elections are peaceful.

According to the President, “those who fear that their persons
or their policies cannot win elections might resort to incitements
to violence.

“Our young people must not be left to those who will instigate
violence and cause others to lose their property or lives. Even
though we are determined to keep order and I hope Your Highnesses
are on the same page with us.”

President Buhari reiterated the commitment of his administration
to infrastructural development across the nation:

“In every state in Nigeria, we are doing at least one major road
project. In the Southwest, we are completing the Lagos to Ibadan
expressway. The reconstruction of this road, which is the busiest
in Nigeria, had not been given the attention it deserved till
now.

“We will complete the first phase of railway, Lagos to Ibadan by
the end of this month. We are also working on several power
projects in the Southwest, of importance is the imminent completion
of power supply to Ondo South where many of the local governments
have not had power for years.”

The President said the nation could only develop if resources
were spent on the people and facilities that would promote commerce
and create jobs.

He lauded the traditional rulers and especially the people of
Southwest, for setting the example of religious tolerance and
unity, saying, “It is to your credit as traditional rulers that
such harmony between religions has been achieved.”

He also thanked the custodians of culture for the solidarity
visit: “I am very much encouraged, and your support makes me even
more determined to work with the best of my ability for this
country and its people.”

Oba Ogunwusi, had while making his remarks commended President
Buhari for placing the completion of the Lagos –Ibadan expressway
on the front burner of the projects of the administration as well
as the Lagos to Ibadan rail line.

He expressed appreciation to the President for the posthumous
recognition given to M.K.O Abiola as President of Nigeria, urging
him to continue the good works, and assured that history will be
kind to him.

They also asked for more developmental projects in the
region.

On the team of the Royal fathers include Adedotu Aremu Gbadebo
Alake of Egbaland , Oba Adedapo Aderemi Alaremore of Ido, Osun,
Michael Ademolaju Oloye of Oye, Ekiti among others.

Speaking on the mission, the Ooni said they are suing for peace
ahead of the forthcoming election.

“My message to Nigerians in this time of election is peace,
peace and peaceful coexistence all the way. The power of every
Nigerian and every electorate lies in the thumb. As traditional
rulers, we are father to all and in playing that role, we pray that
there should be peace in this country. That is what we are
preaching and it is very important to all of us to know than
Nigeria is greater than any of us. So. We should continue to preach
peace and identify with good things that will be beneficial to the
nation. That is why we are here”.