meets with the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria at
the State House in Abuja on November 5, 2020.
Authorities are making strong and transparent efforts to
address the rogue elements of the Nigeria Police Force, the
President said on Thursday.
President Muhammadu Buhari, however, warned that his
administration would not allow anybody or group to threaten the
peace in the country or sabotage their efforts.
“The Nigeria Police Force will also undergo much-needed reform
that covers welfare, working conditions, and code of conduct. That
will usher in a more professional workforce,” he was quoted as
saying in a statement by his media adviser, Femi Adesina.
The President made the remarks when he received a delegation of
the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria led by the
Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, at the State House in
Abuja.
He stressed the imperative of support of traditional rulers in
his administration’s determination to address the demands of the
country’s youths, following the #EndSARS protests.
President Buhari assured the royal fathers that the government
has heard the loud cries of the young Nigerians and was already
attending to their concerns.
“To succeed in all of this, we would require your support and
voice to help amplify the message.
“Your proximity to the people places you in a unique position to
communicate and ensure that our response is targeted and
impactful,” he said.
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The President, who described the role of the traditional rulers
as guardians of the nation’s traditional values and culture as most
critical, urged them not to compromise their neutrality, saying
that was what significantly conferred on them, their moral
authority and legitimacy.
According to him, his Chief of Staff, Professor Ibrahim Gambari,
will lead senior government officials to various parts of the
country and directly engage with the monarchs as part of this
process and will report back to him on their various
perspectives.
“I want to once again thank you for the role you all have played
to calm down our youth with wisdom and authority. By instilling
hope and keeping the peace, you have rendered the country great
service,” President Buhari said.
Admitting the enormity of the nation’s challenges and growing
youth population, President Buhari hinted at the steps being taken
by his administration.
He said, “There is no hiding place regarding how we should
address insecurity concerns, youth unemployment, job creation,
boosting industrialisation, and preparing for a transition into a
digital economy.”
At the meeting, remarks were made by the Sultan of Sokoto and
the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on behalf of the other
traditional rulers.