Buhari Has the Best Intention for Nigeria, Says Oba of Lagos

Ugo Aliogo

The Oba of Lagos, Rilwanu Akiolu, has stated that the present administration is committed to the task of nation building and ensuring that Nigerians receives the reward of good governance.

He called on Nigerians not to blame the administration for the current crisis facing the nation, stressing that the problems did not start with the present administration, but it was caused by every Nigerian.

The monarch disclosed this yesterday, when the State Working Committee of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), paid him a courtesy visit in his palace in Lagos.

Akiolu explained that the purpose of leadership is to impact the society positively and therefore called on Nigerians to support the present administration’s efforts.
“President Muhammadu Buhari has the aspirations and feelings of Nigerians at heart, all he wants is the contribution and collaboration of every Nigerian,” he said.

He expressed hope that by the second year of the administration, there will be great improvement, while calling on Nigerians to suggest useful ideas that would move the nation forward, rather than criticising the government.

Akiolu appealed to journalists to continue to bring to the attention of government the challenges facing the country, adding that the country will regain its pride of place in the comity, but Nigerians need to be patient with the administration.

He added: “I believe in the press as tool for nation building. There is hope for the nation, if only the press accept the truth. We know the truth of what the country is suffering from, but we do not care. The media should be cautious of their reporting, there should try to create a balance in their reporting. I want Nigeria journalists to always aim at the best in their professional practice.
“It is a matter of time, things will be better. If Nigerians allow certain policies of government to strive, it will have a positive effect on the nation. I want to use this opportunity to remind Lagosians that the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is committed to repositioning the state, therefore Lagosians should support the transformation agenda of the administration.”
Reacting to the fuel scarcity issue, the Oba assured Nigerians that the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, will work hard to fix the challenges facing the sector.

In his address, the Lagos state chairman NUJ, Deji Elumoye, expressed appreciation to the monarch for supporting the association, stating that he has always been forthright as a leader and displayed a worthy example.
Elumoye also noted that the NUJ will be organising the National Executive Council Meeting on April 16 in Lagos Televsion Office (LTV), Ikeja, Lagos, to discuss pertinent issues affecting the nation.