TRADITIONAL rulers from the North, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, have told President Goodluck Jonathan that they have resolved not to keep quiet again, in the face of Boko Haram attacks on the region.
The traditional rulers said they were worried over the killing of innocent people in the North, due to the insurgency in that part of the country.
They called on President Goodluck Jonathan to, as a matter of urgency, use every means to stop the killing and maiming of people as being perpetrated by the insurgents in the North.
The Sultan, speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, at an emergency meeting of chairmen of traditional rulers from the 19 northern states, held at the Lugard Hall, Kaduna, said the killings in the North, especially in the North-East, was worrisome.
The meeting was attended by the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Garbai Ibn El-Kanemi; the Emir of Kano, Mohammad Sanusi; Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar; Gbong Gwom Jos, Jacob Buba Gyang; the Attah of Igala, Idakwo Ameoboni and the Emir of Zazzau, Dr Shehu Idris.
According to the Sultan, “we cannot keep mute over this, because our people are being massacred on a daily basis. People see us as royal fathers and as such, we’ve been pushed to come together and express our dismay over the insecurity in the North, which has led to wanton destruction of lives and property.
“As good parents, we have to take the problem to Mr President for quick solution, because we cannot continue to keep quiet while this problem of insecurity consumes us.”
“We are here to speak with one voice to President Jonathan to say enough is enough of the killings, and that he should use his office as the leader of the country to stop this atrocity.
“Everybody in the country knows what has been happening in the northern region, especially the North-East, in the past two years, and this situation can no longer be tolerated.
“We have a president that Allah has made to steer the affairs of this country. In view of this, we call on him to look at the cries of our people and ensure that succour is given to them, because the present state of insecurity in the region has adverse effect on its development and unity.”