In
a move to promote national unity and peaceful coexistence , a
high-powered delegation of the Northern Governors Forum on Monday
visited Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, commending him for
taking urgent steps that led to the protection of Nigerians living in
the state.
The Northern Governors Forum delegation led by its Chairman and Borno State Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima had
Katsina
State Governor, Rt Hon Aminu Bello Masari, Sokoto State Governor, Aminu
Waziri, Kebbi State Governor, Senator Atiku Bagudu, and Plateau State
Governor, Simon Lalong as members.
Shettima said that the
Northern Governors were in Rivers State to identify with Governor Wike
and commend the governor for nipping the unfortunate conflict that
erupted in Oyigbo Local Government Area.
The Northern Governors
Forum said that the actions of Governor Wike, especially his state-wide
broadcast helped to restore peace, despite the challenges.
He
declared: "Governor Wike we are mightily proud of you. We are mightily
associating ourselves with you. Nigeria is greater than political
differences. We belong to one political family and that is the Federal
Republic of Nigeria .
"No interest should be bigger than the
Federal Republic of Nigeria. You believe in the Nigerian Project . For
that, we remain eternally grateful ".
The Northern Governors
Forum called for the enthronement of Peace building measures despite
the challenges facing the country.
According to the Northern
Governors Forum, no law-abiding Nigerians deserve to be punished
because of where they reside and do business.
Governor Shettima
said despite the unfortunate incidents in Abia, steps have been taken
to ensure that there are no retaliatory attacks in different parts of
the country.
In his response, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom
Ezenwo Wike declared that he will continue to protect all Nigerians and
foreigners living in the state.
He said: "Rivers State
believes in the unity of this country. Rivers State will not be a part
of those calling for the disintegration of Nigeria. We owe it as a duty
to protect every Nigerian living in the state.
"I will not allow
any group intimidate, harass or attack other Nigerians living in the
state. We are Rivers people and we belong to the Niger Delta ".
While
stating that violence can never lead to the resolution of any
grievances, Governor Wike urged those who are aggrieved to embrace
dialogue in the interest of Peace and development.
"I am not against anyone who wants to protest any grievances, but there are channels for such protests", he said.
Governor
Wike added that the people of Rivers State have their own peculiar
grievances against developmental issues in the country. He pointed out
that as Governor, he has raised such issues, but will never support
the disintegration .
Simeon Nwakaudu,
Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor, Electronic Media.
18th September, 2017.
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