Traditional rulers in Yobe state were today applauded for their roles in tackling insecurity in the state by the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
Alhaji Atiku, who spoke during a campaign rally at Damaturu, the state capital, in continuation of a country wide tour to garner support, also appealed to the monarchs not to be partisan in the course of the elections.
He also, for the umpteenth time, promised to look into the possibility of rejigging the constitution in order to find lawful roles for them to play in the governance of the country.
“I acknowledge and thank you all for your support as royal fathers for the roles you have been playing in tackling insecurity in the State.
“I, therefore, admonish you to remain as the moral compass of the society and stay away from politics since you are the fathers of all.
“Consequently, I undertake to explore the possibility of a Constitutional role for the traditional institutions, if elected President,” he emphasized, while noting that as Waziri of Adamawa, he is also a stakeholder in the monarchical project.
Turning to the subject matter of insecurity in general, the former Vice President expressed his concern over the spate of violence that has rocked the state and sympathized with victims of the problems.
“Yobe people you have suffered for no fault of yours. But in Sha Allah this suffering will end soon. I wish to assure you of my political willingness to address the menace of insecurity using whatever instrument of State at my disposal , if elected President in 2023,” he reiterated, adding that he would also consider community policing and other proactive security measures to ensure that insecurity is nipped in the bud.
“I express deep sympathy for the good people of Yobe State State over the loss of lives, properties and mass displacements on account of the Boko Haram activities in the State,” Alhaji Atiku said, extending same to the people of the state over the unintended consequences caused by the Naira redesign and the acute shortage of fuel.
He implore the people to remain steadfast, patient and law abiding in the face of these challenges and thanked the people for coming to the rally despite all the hurdles. “I thank you for coming despite the difficulties. I remain in your debt and will not forget you,” he said, pledging to give attention to agricultural development, revamping of road networks, declaration of a state of emergency on education and youths as well as women empowerment.