By Abdullahi M. Gulloma
Abuja
Traditional rulers from oil producing communities yesterday paid a courtesy visit to President Goodluck Jonathan at the State House in Abuja where they discussed issues of national importance including the recent abduction of school girls in Chibok, Borno state.
The leader of the delegation and paramount ruler of Mgbirichi/Abakuru Land of Ohaji/Egbema local government area of Imo state,
HRH Eze Akunueze Raphael Eze Ahurunkwe II, told State House correspondents after the meeting that they were worried by the abduction of the school girls and the activities of the Boko Haram sect in general.
He said: “This is a courtesy visit to the president, and discusses some issues affecting our nation. We are worried about the issue of Chibok girls and the activities of Boko Haram in general. We are very prayerful that Mr President, as he has been working assiduously to make sure they are released. We are very prayerful.”
He said the issues of oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism were also raised at the meeting, stressing that “the pipelines are in our domains and that is why we are advocating a forum so that the traditional rulers in the oil communities will be empowered to provide security against illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism.”
He said the delegation also commended the president for convening the national conference and developing infrastructure across the country.
