BY GODWIN IJEDIOGOR
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has assured indigenes of the oil-rich South-South region of his administration’s commitment to addressing their development and environmental concerns one after the other.
The President, who gave the assurance when he met with the South-South Monarchs Forum at the State House, Abuja, also acknowledged the importance of the traditional institution, noting that traditional rulers are the intelligence needed for the holistic development of the country.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ajuri Ngelale, the monarchs were led by Chairman of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers and Vice Chairman of the South-South Monarchs Forum, Maj-Gen Felix Mujakperuo (rtd).
The President, the statement said, told the monarchs that his administration was diligently working, domestically and internationally, to strengthen Nigeria’s durability and approach to climate change, environmental restoration, infrastructure development, while ensuring security and stability in the region.
He commended them for their understanding approach to his administration’s ongoing economic reforms, particularly the removal of the fuel subsidy, promising that Nigerians would soon enjoy the benefits of these tough, yet, necessary decisions.
The President said: “We are working to revive the economy from the damage of several years. We seek your support, prayers and understanding, and I am glad that the vice chairman of the Forum served in an organisation where we need intelligence to operate.
“You will be the source of the intelligence we need for the holistic development of our country, and anytime you need to tell us something, do not hesitate to reach out to this office. I will take on all of your concerns and I will address each of them one by one.
“We cannot underestimate your contributions to the peace and stability of this country. Continue to uphold us in your prayers and in talking to our youths to keep faith with the country, because light is already visible at the end of the tunnel.”
Mujakperuo, who is the Orodje of Okpe, appealed to Tinubu to follow up on all developmental efforts in the region to be sure that progress is tangible to the people, saying: “Mr. President, you know the problems of our region as an expert with experience in the energy industry. We see you working hard to solve our problems and we are comforted that you have pledged to take on our concerns and bring a final solution to them.”
