Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of, the Niger Council of Traditional Rulers, has called for prayers by Nigerians for the nation’s leaders.
The Etsu Nupe made the appeal while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in his Wadata Palace, Bida, on Wednesday.
Abubakar said the newly elected leaders needed the prayers of the Muslim and Christian faithful for God’s guidance and protection to enable them to discharge their duties actively and effectively.
According to him, with fervent and ceaseless prayers, God Almighty will guide them on the right path for the country to move forward.
He said: “There is the need for Muslims and Christians to pray fervently for successful tenure of all those that were inaugurated recently and for God Almighty to guide and guard them to deliver to the people the much-needed dividends of democracy.”
The first-class traditional ruler also noted that security challenges such as insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping would be surmounted through such prayers.
Abubakar also admonished Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger to accord top priority to the welfare of the citizens in the state.
He advised the governor to focus more on developmental projects to improve the welfare of the people.
“We are appealing to him to run the administration of Niger state in a God-fearing manner and dedication,” he said.
The traditional ruler added that the governor should also be committed to all the infrastructural and developmental needs of the populace.
He underscored the need for the governor to urgently hit the ground running with a view to improving the living standard of the people of the state.
The Etsu Nupe also urged Bago to ensure the appointment of competent and experienced people into his cabinet, to take the state to the next level of development.
According to him, if this is done, it will improve the standard of living of the people as well as bring speedy development to communities across the state.
He further advised the governor to ensure transparency and accountability while piloting the affairs of the state for development to thrive.
“I want to advise the new governor, Umar Bago, that he should consider competency and experience while appointing cabinet members in the state.
“To move our state forward, not everybody will be appointed. If you have very competent and experienced people that you are working with, you will achieve many positive things,” he said.
The traditional ruler called on the governor to key into good projects that would have a direct bearing on the lives of the people in order for speedy development to thrive.
Abubakar further advised the governor to explore new ways of generating revenue for the overall development of the state.
“Let him look at areas to generate more revenue as revenue is very important to the development of the state. Without funds, you can’t do anything,” he said.
Besides, Abubakar urged members of the state House of Assembly to screen and approve qualified and competent persons into positions of authority.
He urged the people to give their maximum support to the new administration to succeed in moving the state forward.
The royal father enjoined citizens to be law-abiding, respect constituted authorities, and live in peace with one another, irrespective of their affiliations. (NAN)
