The Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) has condemned in strong terms the gruesome murder of His Royal Highness, Alhaji Isah Mohammed Bawa, the Emir of Gobir in Gwata town of Sokoto State, by some kidnappers.
The SNTRC conveyed its condemnation through a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, His Eminence Dr Eberechukwu Oji, Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom.
The statement read:
“While we commiserate with the Sultan of Sokoto, the government of Sokoto State and the family of the deceased, we find it quite saddening that these unscrupulous elements do not understand that traditional rulers are the custodians of our culture and heritage; they do not hold any key to the national purse or receive direct allocations from the government.
“The ugly trend of abducting, kidnapping and killing of traditional rulers needs to cease, immediately. The traditional rulers are the link to our past, as we bear the relics and insignia of our forefathers and we do not want to tarnish what is left of our history as a nation.
“The traditional rulers are not oblivious of the harsh economy of the country, we will continue to engage those charged with the governance of our country to make life easy for our people and we would not hesitate to convey the demands of our people to those in government. This is our country, we need peace and unity to forge ahead and overcome these trying times.
“The Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council notes the tension in the country, and would like to urge all parties involved to sheath their swords and embrace dialogue. Let us come together to make this country work.
“The incessant calls for strikes and protests will only continue to deter foreign investments in our country. We plead with the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and other groups to avoid strikes and protests. While there is a call for another protest on October 1, 2024, we would like to plead that we all embrace dialogue and avoid putting further strain on our economy and the citizens.
“The Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council also urges the Executive, Legislative and Judicial arms of government to remember their oaths of office, and work for better living conditions and a sustainable economy for the citizens of Nigeria.
The SNTRC was formally inaugurated by Prince Dapo Abiodun, Governor of Ogun State and Chairman, Southern Governors’ Forum, on July 30, 2024 at Owerri “to work in synergy for the peace of Nigeria and the furtherance of the unity of the Southern Traditional Institution” with the motto “Togetherness, Strength and Progress”.
The following executive council members were also inaugurated; Chairman: The Ooni of Ife; Co-Chairman: Obi of Obinugwu; Co-Chairman: Jaja of Opobo; General Secretary: The Dein of Agbor; Assistant Secretary: Olofin of Isheri; Publicity Secretary: Eze Aro; Financial Secretary: Alara of Ilara; Treasurer: Amanyanabo of Abonnema; Welfare Secretary: Elegushi of Ikate; Legal Advisor: Dr Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN).
