My Health Is Failing Me, Theophilus Danjuma Laments
Former Minister of Defence, Lt. General Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), has expressed deep concern over his declining health, describing himself as “a sick old man” while making a heartfelt appeal for national unity and loyalty to leadership as essential pillars of economic growth and democratic stability in Nigeria, The Guardian reports.
Danjuma made this emotional disclosure in Ganye, Adamawa State, 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 remarked candidly.
Drawing attention to his frailty, he called on Nigerians,especially 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 to Nigeria at large. That is the only way to achieve peace and development,” he urged.
Danjuma, who also chaired the silver jubilee celebration marking 25 years of leadership by the Gangwari Ganye, praised traditional rulers for their critical role in peacebuilding and conflict resolution within communities.
In a message delivered on behalf of Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari, commended traditional leaders as vital bridge-builders and reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to supporting their peace-building initiatives.
Echoing these sentiments, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State acknowledged the strong support his administration has received from traditional institutions, particularly in maintaining peace and advancing 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 the vital role traditional rulers play in addressing Nigeria’s socio-political challenges, often serving as the first line of response to conflict and insecurity.
“We have never failed to douse tension and support civil authorities in implementing projects and programmes aimed at the welfare, safety, and stability of our communities,”
Iam calling for greater inclusion of traditional institutions in governance beyond their current advisory roles”he said.
He reaffirmed the commitment of traditional rulers to national unity and development, stating:
“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.
