Paramount rulers from the South West on Wednesday warned against reintroduction of the fuel subsidy regime, saying it would not serve the long-term interest of national economic development and fiscal sustainability.
This was part of the monarchs’ resolutions at a meeting held at palace of the Olubadan of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The meeting which had in attendance, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja; Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye; Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle; Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladewusi; Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Adeyeri; Ebumawe of Ago Iwoye, Oba Abdilrasq Adenugba; Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Aladesanmi; and Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, Oba Adesuyi Hastrup.
Others are; Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom, Oba Saheed Ademola; Oniba of Ibaland, Oba Sulaimon Raji-Asade; Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Samuel Adejimi Adu- Alagbado; Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola; Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Abolarin Adedokun and others.
In the communiqué released after the meeting and read on behalf of other traditional rulers by Alake of Egbaland, Oba Gbadebo, the council, noted the economic realities confronting the nation and expressed support for the Federal Government’s current position on fuel subsidy.
“The meeting resolved that the reintroduction of fuel subsidy would not serve the long-term interest of national economic development and fiscal sustainability,” the communique reads partly.
They acknowledged the efforts of the Federal Government in addressing national challenges and advancing the development agenda of the country.
The communique added: “Traditional rulers of the Southwest met to deliberate on matters of regional and national importance. After extensive discussions, the council resolved as follows:
“Reaffirmation of support for the President: The council unanimously reaffirmed its unwavering support for His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and his administration. The traditional rulers acknowledged the efforts of the Federal Government in addressing national challenges and advancing the development agenda of the country.
“Mobilization of citizens in support of government programs: The council urged all Southwest kings and traditional rulers to continue sensitizing and mobilizing citizens within their respective domains to support government programs and policies that are designed to promote economic growth, national stability, and social development.
“Support for the state police initiative: The council expressed support for the proposed establishment of state police as a strategic measure to strengthen internal security. Traditional rulers were encouraged to prepare and sensitize youths across the region to take advantage of future employment and service opportunities that may arise from the initiative.
“Position on fuel subsidy: The council noted the economic realities confronting the nation and expressed support for the Federal Government’s current position on fuel subsidy. The meeting resolved that the reintroduction of fuel subsidy would not serve the long-term interest of national economic development and fiscal sustainability.
“Protection and advancement of Southwest interests: The council discussed the need for continued vigilance and strategic engagement in national affairs to ensure that the political, economic, and developmental interests of the Southwest region remain adequately represented and protected within the Nigerian Federation.
“Promotion of national unity and cohesion: Recognizing the importance of national integration, the council called for stronger collaboration and mutual understanding among all regions of the country. The traditional rulers pledged to foster constructive engagement with their counterparts in Northern Nigeria and other parts of the federation in the interest of peace, unity, and national development.
“The council observed that the principle of rotational presidency has over the years contributed significantly to political stability, inclusiveness, and national cohesion across Nigeria. In the interest of fairness, equity, and the continued strengthening of national unity, the council expressed the view that the rotational arrangement should be sustained and the presidency should remain in Southern Nigeria in the next electoral cycle, in line with the spirit of power rotation that has helped preserve peace and stability in the country.”
The council emphasized that the position is intended to promote national balance, mutual trust among federating units, and the continued progress of the Nigerian state.
The also expressed their commitment to peaceful elections.
“The council underscored the importance of peaceful, free, and credible elections at all levels. It condemned all forms of electoral violence, intimidation, vote-buying, and other electoral malpractices, urging political actors and citizens alike to uphold democratic values before, during, and after elections,” they said.
