The traditional ruler of Kwali, HRH (Etsu) Alhaji Sha’aban Audu Nizazo, has called on Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the cause of peace as a precondition for the development of the nation.
Dr. Audu Nizazo made the call in his palace while speaking with newsmen on the security challenges facing the nation.
The monarch drew attention to the growing spate of killings in every section of the country and urged Nigerians to eschew hatred and violence by loving and respecting the rights of others.
He said Nigerians must cultivate the spirit of brotherhood and peace and must not allow violence to dominate their thinking and attitude.
“We have to realise that development can only materialise in an atmosphere of peace, tranquility and love. All efforts must be made by the authorities at all levels to ensure that peace reigns in our beloved country,” Etsu Sha’aban said.
He noted that the diversity and ethnic composition of the nation can be harnessed to become a source of strength instead of the fuel that brews violence, bloodshed and killings.
Dr. Audu admonished Nigerians to be more accommodating in order to promote and foster unity among the various ethnic groups.
The monarch appealed to government to critically reappraise the existing administrative machinery to impact more positively on the living conditions of the people.
He canvassed for people-oriented projects instead of grandiose ones which, he said, do not often conform with the realities on the ground, especially in the basic areas of human existence.
Dr. Sha’aban emphasised that projects and programmes which produce durable effects on the living conditions of the people should be the overriding objective of government policies, adding that Nigerians have so far not felt the impact of this administration.
He therefore, advised Nigerian leaders to summon the political will and look at the future believing that the problems of the country would be solved since it was God that put them in the position of authority.
The traditional ruler added that when problems overwhelm people and leaders are not able to focus and determine the solutions that can be applied to resolve the issues at stake, “the citizens become shaken and wonder whether there is a future for the country.”
