President Muhammadu Buhari has urged state governors to ensure payment of outstanding salaries of workers in their states.
He made the plea during a courtesy visit of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III.
“There are Nigerians that haven’t been paid for six months; there are Nigerians that have not been paid their retirement benefits for years.
“I’m appealing to the governors, (that was why we voted money, we borrowed money), please make sure anybody under you, pay them because most of them depend on that salary to pay rent, school fees.
“I would like to convince you that I’m living with the problems of this country day-by-day, and mostly those of the ordinary people,” President Buhari stated.
He pointed out that the mismanagement of the national revenue over the years was responsible for the current economic challenges facing the nation.
He said that he will continue to pursue programmes and projects that will better the lives of Nigerians in all spheres of live.
According to him, Nigeria should be able to use its population strength, as the biggest black nation in the world, to its advantage.
The President also assured that all hands are on deck to completely secure the country so as to develop it further.
Speaking earlier, the Sultan of Sokoto, thanked God for bringing the President back in sound health and urged the President to tightened his belt and take on the mantle of leadership.
He said with a monarch from each of the political zone assuring Buhari of their support, the President should take the comments as honest and the tonic he needs to work hard for the nation.
He said, “We will continue to preach peace and stability, justice, transparency and accountability and anti corruption.”
Speaking for the South West, the Oni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwunsi, also thanked God for the safe return of the President and for restoring his health.
He said “From south west we thank God for your life and we pledged to support you from our communities because we are closer to our people. We will continue to preach to our people that we should continue to foster peace in our country, we will continue to caution our youths against hate speeches.
“We cannot leave the development of the country all to the government but we have to work hand in hand. We assure you that we support all your initiatives.” he said
Speaking for the North West, the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, said the traditional rulers identify with Buhari’s commitment for national security.