Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has appealed to traditional rulers in the country to ensure peace in their domains, which was important to the country’s socio-economic growth.

Ahmed made the call at the weekend at the Government House, Ilorin, when the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, paid him the traditional Sallah homage.

The governor noted that despite government’s huge investments on infrastructure like water, electricity, roads and social services, threats to peace and tranquillity had often prevented people from enjoying the facilities.

He said: "Though government has the clear responsibility of ensuring that people have access to the dividends of democracy, this will be a mirage without peace and tranquillity in the polity."

The governor commended the traditional rulers in the state for their support which had made governance smooth at both the local and state levels.

Ahmed promised that the era of salary arrears that had hitherto bedevilled the local government system in the state would soon become a thing of the past because modalities were being put in place to arrest the trend.

He also promised that his administration would remain committed to qualitative and efficient service delivery for the good of the state.

The governor also commended security agencies in the state for the maintenance of law and order, stressing that every Nigerian must be a stakeholder in the security project of the country.

Earlier, the emir assured the governor that the traditional institution in the state would remain steadfast in partnering the government to sustain peace in the state.