Former Minister of Defence, Lieutenant General Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), has expressed concern over his deteriorating health, describing himself as ?a sick old man? while making a passionate appeal for national unity and loyalty to leaders as the key to economic growth and democratic stability in Nigeria.

Danjuma made the disclosure on Saturday in Ganye, during his turbaning ceremony as the Gang Paan Ganye by the Gangwari Ganye, His Royal Highness Alhaji Adamu Sanda.

?Time is running out for me rapidly, as you can see. I?m a sick old man,? Danjuma said, drawing attention to his frailty, even as he called on Nigerians, particularly the people of Adamawa State, to remain loyal to their leaders.

According to the elder statesman, peace and development will remain elusive unless citizens unite behind their leaders with loyalty and cooperation.

?Adamawa people, I plead with you to be loyal to your leaders and Nigeria at large. That is the only way to achieve peace and development,? he urged.

Danjuma, who chaired the silver jubilee celebration marking 25 years of leadership by the Gangwari Ganye, also praised traditional rulers for their pivotal role in community peace-building and conflict resolution.

In a message delivered on behalf of Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari, lauded traditional leaders as bridge-builders and affirmed the federal government?s commitment to supporting their peace-building efforts.

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State echoed similar sentiments, noting that his administration has enjoyed strong backing from the traditional institution, particularly in the area of maintaining peace and supporting agricultural development in the region.

?Today is a celebration of wisdom. Your reign as the traditional ruler of Ganye Chiefdom has brought stability and agricultural growth,? Fintiri stated.

In his remarks, the Gangwari Ganye, HRH Adamu Sanda, emphasized that traditional rulers are deeply involved in resolving Nigeria?s socio-political challenges, often serving as the first line of response to tension and insecurity.

?We have never failed to douse tension and support civil authorities in implementing projects and programmes for the welfare, safety, and stability of our communities,? he said, while calling for greater inclusion of traditional institutions in governance beyond their current advisory roles.

He reaffirmed the commitment of traditional rulers to national unity and development, saying: ?We wish to assure the government that we will remain loyal to constituted authorities and to the ideals of building a prosperous and progressive society.? (The Guardian)