Lagos – The Arewa Traditional Institution in Lagos has said that it was not part of its values for a Sarki to go about visiting and attending political rallies and meetings.
At a news conference in Lagos, the Sarki Hausa of Lagos, Alhaji Aminu Yaro-Dogarai, advised anyone with such an exalted position to play the role of a father and not to be partisan.
He frowned at the activities of some people he called impostors, who were trying to mar the image of the institution.
Yaro-Dogarai said it was disheartening to see people claiming to hold the exalted and highly esteemed office of the traditional Arewa institution visiting and attending political rallies and meetings wearing full traditional regalia.
According to him, such action puts such exalted position in shame and dispute.
“It is dishonorable for a bonafide Sarki institution to participate in active partisan politics,’’ he said, noting that it should rather act as a father to all politicians, irrespective of their political class or affiliation.
Yaro-Dogarai noted that the act of endorsing any politician running for any political office negates the core values of the Arewa traditional institution.
“It is not part of its pride and cultural heritage; the value and virtues of Arewa chieftaincy custodians are integrity and credibility, which these imposters lack,’’ he said.
He warned self-acclaimed Arewa leaders that going to political meetings and rallies to endorse politicians had to stop because it negates their core values and hurt their pride.
Yaro-Dogarai added that the Arewa community in Lagos state would support and vote for the person that brought about positive change to the people and would promote unity among Nigerians.
“For the avoidance of doubt, on March 28 and April 11, we will make our stand known at the elections; on those days, whoever we believe is going to make Nigeria better and stronger, we, in totality, will give that person our votes.
He urged all members of the group to be peaceful and law abiding during the critical political period.
Yaro-Dogarai charged them to prepare to come out on the election days to exercise their civic rights and contribute to a new Nigeria.