From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has canvassed the support of South South monarchs for the reelection of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Speaking while receiving the South South monarchs at the Government House, Benin City, the governor appealed to them to support the President in 2027, saying the development of the nation cannot be achieved without the support of the traditional rulers.
Besides, he called on them to support the President in the fight against insecurity in the country, explaining that the President was doing a lot to make the country safe for everyone.
He added that the policies of the President were designed to revive the economy and make life more meaningful for the people.
“South South should speak with one voice because we have our son as the President, and we all must speak with one voice to return him in 2027 to complete his tenure.
“President Tinubu has done so much for this country, and there are bold steps and decisions he has taken to put the nation on the path of development and growth.
“He is focused on ensuring he blocks leakages in the economy, ensuring the resources are used for the betterment of Nigerians. He has been able to increase allocation for states, and now states have money to concentrate on developmental projects.
“South South must support Tinubu because he is our own, and he needs to continue what he has started. He is putting in place economic policies that will benefit the people. The second term for the President is not negotiable,” he stated.
He said the President should be commended for his tax reforms, which has helped increase revenue channeled towards developing the nation.
“The unity of the South South and Nigeria is very important as the input of the traditional rulers is very important and necessary. We must hold traditional rulers in high esteem.
“Traditional rulers are at the grassroots. They know the problems at the grassroots, and they make things work for us. They are important in the scheme of things and as such, they should be respected.
“We are working to change the narrative as I will start to talk to Southern Governors to ensure they sustain the respect they have for traditional institutions,” he said.
He acknowledged that the country was facing several challenges and assured the traditional rulers that the President was doing a lot to handle the situation in the right direction.
“I appeal to the traditional rulers to support the President in the fight against insecurity as we have strangers coming into various communities and our traditional rulers need to help us monitor the situation and ensure bad people are exposed.
“Information is key in the fight against insecurity. We need collaboration and unity between the traditional institution and government, and we should all speak with one voice to address numerous challenges hindering our development,” Okpebholo added.
Vice Chairman, South South Monarchs’s Forum, Maj Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (retd), the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom in Delta State, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues commended the Governor for his respect for traditional rulers. He said he has continued to exhibit strength of character and has become the beacon of leadership that the state needs at this time.
The Forum congratulated the governor on his election and tribunal victory, describing both as a good thing that happened to Edo people.
“The Forum salutes your courage in the fight against insecurity across the state. Your choice of action and strategy is receiving the widest support it deserves.
“We appreciate your generosity to traditional rulers and your boldness in restoring the full rights and privileges of the Oba of Benin and reversing the efforts to divide the kingdom. Thank you for your respect for the traditional institution and the rule of law.
“We pledge our support for your administration and are ready to stand by you as you have shown capacity to revive the state and put it on the path of growth and development,” he said.