Rivers Monarchs Want Summit On Insecurity

Caution Jonathan Over Unpopular PoliciesTHE Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers has canvassed a summit of monarchs across the country to proffer solution to the prevailing insecurity in Nigeria. It has also advised President Goodluck Jonathan to avoid alienating himself from Nigerians through the removal of the contentious petroleum subsidy.Chairman of the Council and Amanyanabo of Kalabari, Prof Theophilus Princewill, told journalists in Port Harcourt yesterday that the monarchs condemned the 'acts of terror' through bomb blasts resulting in the lost of innocent Nigerians and destroying property in northern part of the country.'The situation has reached an unacceptable level, as these agents of insecurity, now direct their attacks on soft targets, such as churches, market places and offices, killing innocent person,' he said. .He describedthe Christmas Day bombing of St. Theresa's Catholic Church in Madalla, Niger State and the explosions in Jos, Plateau and Damaturu in Yobe states as 'barbaric, senseless and an assault on religious freedom.'He stated: 'Council is, therefore, of the view that a summit of all traditional rulers across the country be held, as a matter of urgency, to discuss and give appropriate advice to government on how to tackle this security challenge in our country, once and for all, in the interestof peace and unity. 'On its part, the federal government should ensure that security agencies are more proactive in dealing with the Boko Haram challenge, which if not checked, is capable of threatening the corporate existence of Nigeria.'Suicidebombing is un-Nigerian and must not be allowed to gain foothold in our shores. Enough is enough.'The monarchs cautioned Jonathan not to press ahead with the unpopular removal of fuel subsidy, saying if he does, itwould lead to increase in transport fares, prices of food items and other commodities and difficulty in moving farm produce from the hinterland.He noted that advocates of the policy want to make the Presidentunpopular among Nigerians.'Jonathan should be very careful over the planned removal of fuel subsidy.Many regimes have come and gone, without removing the fuel subsidy.'They do not want him to succeed. He must be careful,' he cautioned.
Click here to read full news..