TheCable

President Muhammadu Buhari had commended Tsola Emiko, the Olu of Warri, for his “patriotism”.

Buhari spoke on Wednesday when he received a delegation from Delta state led by the monarch.

“I’m grateful for your visit, and impressed by your patriotism,” the president said.

“I’ve taken note of your requests, and will work on them as soon as politically possible.”

According to a statement by Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman, the monarch expressed gratitude to the president for sending a delegation to his coronation in 2021, and said the people of Itsekiri are committed to “one united Nigeria, as we support your government’s aspiration to provide security and economic prosperity to all Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, creed or religion”.

Adesina also said the monarch described the president as “a dogged patriot and fervent believer in project Nigeria”.

The Olu of Warri was also said to have drawn the attention of the president to what he described as “under-utilisation” of some ports in Delta including Warri, Koko, Sapele, and Burutu, and also urged Buhari to reconstitute the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) board.

“As an interested party, we genuinely want a better deal for us in the Niger Delta, as we believe charity begins at home,” he was quoted as saying.

“By this, we mean that we Niger Deltans must be ready to put the betterment of our people first in all we do. Putting our people first is the only way to make our lives better.”

The monarch also reportedly asked the president to immortalise Festus Okotie-Eboh, the first finance minister.

See photos of the visit below.

President Muhammadu Buhari receives the Olu of Warri at the State House. Photo: Sunday Aghaeze

President Muhammadu Buhari receives the Olu of Warri at the State House. Photo: Sunday Aghaeze

Photos: Sunday Aghaeze