Traditional rulers of the Rivers support the Nigeria Agenda Initiative
By DICKSON, JACOB ONJEWU
The Rivers state council of traditional rulers has expressed support for a group called The Nigeria Agenda’s campaign against religion and ethnicity politics ahead of the 2023 general elections.
His Royal Majesty, King Dandeson Jaja, the Amanayabo of Opobo Kingdom, called the national advocacy of unity and citizens’ focus as the proper crusade that will lead to transforming the current perception of Nigerianness.
During a visit to Rivers state, traditional rulers expressed their support for the group.
King Jaja praised the Nigeria Agenda as “a heavenly mission being done by the advocacy group,” according to a statement issued Wednesday in Abuja by the Nigeria Agenda’s Chief Advocate, Niyi Akinsiju.
According to the statement, King Jaja made the remark while receiving the leadership and members of The Nigeria Agenda advocacy group at the State’s Secretariat of the Council of Traditional Rulers in Port Harcourt on Monday, alongside His Royal Majesty, King Felix Otunarikpo, Eze of Upata and His Royal Majesty, King Macie and Moore Ubuo, King of Engenni Kingdom.
The chairman of the traditional council in Rivers state was responding to a highlight of The Nigeria Agenda’s mission and vision by Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, the advocacy group’s convener, who had explained in his presentation that the group was passionate about engendering a new conversation among Nigerians about the imperative of citizens acting together in unity and collectively to identify and support political leaders at all levels of government, regardless of ethnicity.
“We share your concerns about the dogfights that have become the norm in the country’s interaction between ethnic groups,” King Jaja stated.
“It’s sad that Nigeria is being pushed in different directions by opportunistic politicians who are hell-bent on destroying anything that stands in their way of gaining power and related privileges,” stated King Jaja of the Opobo Kingdom.
“How is this ratrace going to end?” We are witnessing the abolition of merit in favor of the tragic establishment of mediocrity across the board. The truth is that when ethnicity and other dividing factors drive political direction and decisions, the end result is that governance will fail because the appropriate people will never be elected to positions of power.
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“On this issue, we pray that politicians think holistically about Nigeria, that they are motivated to do what is best for the country’s growth, and that they cease thinking about themselves.”
We have reached a key juncture at which political leaders must consider and transmit messages to Nigeria emphasizing that we are all part of one giant family in this country, regardless of our tribal affiliations or how we worship the Almighty.” King Jaja offered advice.
While praising the Nigeria Agenda’s leadership and members, King Jaja also said: “We must congratulate you for taking such a daring move; it demonstrates that you are concerned about the well-being of all people. What we do know is that once this advocacy becomes mainstream, it will have a positive impact on all of us, all of Nigerians. You’re on the correct route; you’re carrying out a holy mission, so we ask that you show us what you’ve got.
This are the kind of leaders we need,
May God strengthen him