Traditional Rulers in the country have frowned at the planned mass protest against economic hardship and called on the Federal Government to address the challenges of high cost of living in the country.
The traditional rulers urged the government to do everything possible to address the high cost of petroleum products, high cost of electricity tariff and agricultural meetings.
The traditional rulers made their position known in a communique issued at the end of their Quarterly Executive Committee meeting of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria held on Monday, July 22 at the NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja.
The meeting, according to the communiqué, was chaired by His Eminence, Alhaji (Dr.) Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, and co-chaired by Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife.
The communique was signed by Alh. (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman Coordinating Committee.
Traditional Rulers commended the government for the provision of palliatives, student loan scheme and recently approved N70,000.00 minimum wage for Nigerian workers.
The resolution reads: “The high cost of living in the country should be brought down by the Government by addressing the high cost of petroleum products, high cost of electricity tariff and agricultural inputs.
“Council reiterates the view that the task of building a stable, strong and purposeful nation requires the involvement of every stakeholder, including most emphatically the traditional leaders, and called on all Nigerians to rededicate themselves to this noble and imperative duty.
The 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 property.
“In the light of this, we enjoin all and sundry to embrace dialogue in finding solution to the impasse.”
The Council also “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 programmes of the federal and states governments.
“Council therefore calls on the governments at all levels to ensure the proper implementation of those laudable programmes and calls on them to move vigorously to pursue effective economic programmes that aim at poverty alleviation, infrastructural 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 pertaining to nation building.
