Traditional rulers yesterday appealed to those planning a protest to be wary of actions that can plunge the country into anarchy.
They spoke with reporters after a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The monarchs were led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.
Ooni, co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, urged protesters to exercise their civic rights peacefully.
“It’s their civic right, but let them put a face to it and don’t let it be hijacked by people that have ulterior motives. That is our stand.
“We are all stakeholders of this country, we should be stronger as a nation together, than stronger individually.
“The President has said it and he will continue to say it, any leader that you don’t like, wait and vote him out. He is open to dialogue.
“We know that challenges are so many in Nigeria, but are we going to destroy our nation by ourselves? Is that what we’re all after?
“We should talk to ourselves. The government, ably led by the President, is willing to engage and dialogue and bring governance very close to the people,” Oba Ogunwusi said.
Dein of Agbor, Keagborekuzi Ikenchuku Gbenoba, appealed to youths to refrain from destructive protests, urging them to work with the government to find solutions to the country’s challenges.
He urged calm and collaboration, encouraging youths to give the government a chance to address their concerns and find solutions.
“Hearing from Mr. President directly, I can see the passion. The government understands we are at the precipice.
“Our youths are our future and I think today we’ve demonstrated that the government, with the officials, we do have the hearts of the nation in our minds, we will listen to our youths. Let us not destroy our own country,” he said.
The Emir of Zauzzau, Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, appealed to Nigerians to remain calm and patient, urging them to listen to the government’s plans to address the country’s challenges.
He expressed hope that the government’s blueprint would bring positive change.
“The message we are taking back to our people is to be calm, exercise patience, listen to the words of wisdom coming from the government.
“The President has given us the blueprint of what he has been doing over time and we are hopeful that by God’s grace, it will be alright,” Bamalli said.
While Lagos State lawmakers advised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to organise town hall meetings to calm frayed nerves, Afenifere, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi and Alafin of Afin Akoko, Akoko Northwest Council in Ondo State, Oba Abdur Adejoro, advised that government should engage youths in productive activities.
Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets Ademorin Kuye, Baba Adinni of Lagos Sikiru Alabi-Macfoy spoke in the same vein
As the pleas echoed, the Oyo State Government convened a meeting of stakeholders to ensure the protest was conducted peacefully.