By Okerafor Athanasius, Jalingo
A paramount ruler in Taraba State, the Galadima Muri, Alhaji Lamido Abba Tukur has appealed to traders in the state to reduce the prices of their wares for the sake of low income families in the North-East State.
Tukur made the appeal while answering questions from journalists shortly after celebrating the 40th anniversary of his installation as Galadima Muri and District Head of Jalingo, the state capital.
The event was held at Patient Event Centre, Jalingo.
The paramount ruler expressed dismay over the high cost of food items in markets in the state, pointing out that residents depend on the traders for their daily needs, hence the need for the latter to make sacrifices by slashing the prices of items.
“I want to draw the attention of our traders whom we all depend on for our livelihood and daily needs, to subsidize whatever they are selling,” he stated.
The monarch further called on the traders to be their brothers’ keeper, urging them to let the plight of their fellow human beings be their priority, especially now that the period of Ramadan (Muslim fast) approaches.
According to him, during periods of Ramadan, there is often a discernible trend of daily inflation, leaving many of the Muslim faithful at the mercy of hunger after the fast ends each day.
Alhaji Tukur, again, urged traders to temper commercial profit motives with the milk of human kindness, saying “I am calling on the traders to leave the profit they are making; cooperate with the poor and I also call on those who have enough in the society to assist and help those who don’t have.”
The Galadima Muri appreciated the leadership of State Governor Agbu Kefas in enhancing peace and security of the State, also lauding the qualities of the Emir of Muri, Alhaji Abbas Njidda Tafida for what he described as his relentless counseling over the years.
“I will not end this remark without thanking His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas for his contribution on peace. Peace has been restored in Jalingo; we now sleep with our two eyes closed.
“The Emir of Muri, HRM Alhaji Abbas Njidda Tafida, I want to thank him for all that we had together in the course of our journey. With him, I have leant a lot”, he said.
Highlights of the event were presentation of awards to some distinguished personalities, cultural dances by a troupe from the State Arts Council, and cultural music from various traditional institutions.
