President Tinubu met with traditional rulers, including the Sultan of Sokoto and Ooni of Ife, to discuss strategies to prevent a nationwide protest against economic hardship. The meeting, attended by top officials, aims to address public grievances and ensure stability. Traditional leaders are urged to help mediate and counsel restraint.
President Bola Tinubu convened a crucial meeting with traditional rulers from across Nigeria at the State House in Abuja, as part of efforts to prevent a looming nationwide protest over economic hardships. The meeting, led by Sultan of Sokoto Muhammad Abubakar III and Ooni of Ife Adeyeye Ogunwusi, underscored the gravity of the situation and the administration's commitment to addressing public grievances.
The exact agenda of the meeting was not initially disclosed. However, sources suggest it was a strategic move by the president to engage influential leaders in defusing rising tensions. The planned protest, driven by widespread economic discontent, has garnered significant attention, prompting the government to seek collaborative solutions.
In addition to the traditional rulers, the meeting included key government officials such as Vice-President Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Finance Wale Edun, and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Atiku Bagudu. Governors AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, chairman of the Nigerian Governors' Forum, and Hope Uzodimma of Imo, chairman of the Progressive Governors' Forum, also attended, reflecting a broad spectrum of political and regional representation.
The president's engagement with these traditional leaders follows a series of consultations with various stakeholders, including governors from the All Progressives Congress (APC). State governors have urged residents to refrain from participating in the protests, highlighting concerns about potential violence and the hijacking of the protests by groups with ulterior motives. The United Nations has also issued warnings about the possibility of protests turning violent if not carefully managed. The meeting aimed to leverage the influence of traditional rulers to promote peace and stability.
