By Chima Azubuike, Gombe
Gombe state governor, Inuwa Yahaya on Saturday bemoaned the existing gulf among ethnic nationalities in Nigeria.
Yahaya said the country will be more prosperous as a united front, describing himself as having Igbo blood in his system.
“Nigeria has no reason to be where it is today, with all these conflict, be it of secession, be it of religion, association. If you go back to history, am a student of history, I can recall that the first mayor of Enugu was Alh. Umaru Altine. Zik of blessed memory was born at Zengeru and there was flourishing business and relationship between the Igbos and the North, even before the advent of Nigeria to the time Nigeria was created till this moment.
“Our relationship is supposed to be harmonious, of joy and happiness. Our relationship should be mutually beneficial .
“God has blessed this country abundantly in human and mineral resources, we have every reason to be proud of ourselves, to accommodate one another and to provide the ground on which our children and grand children will enjoy and have harmonious relationship. Our coming together is a source of strength,” he said.
Yahaya stated these during a thank you visit by the Igbo Community and Welfare Association, Gombe chapter, for appointing Igbo Businessman, Chidebelu Ewuzie, as Special Adviser, Intercommunity relations.
While saying that his government will ensure that businesses of people from other ethnic groups will enjoy enabling environment, Yahaya added that such will make Gombe state economy expand.
He said, “In me the Igbo blood flows up and down, I pledged to you during the campaign when we went to see the Igbo community that any government I form is going to be a government of Igbo’s because I will involve you, your people and all other ethnic nationalities in the issues of governance in Gombe state, that was my pledge I think I have shown example and we shall continue to do that. From jobs, to patronage in terms of contracts, to patronage in terms of admission, to patronage in terms of provision of facilities and amenities this government is ready to do that for all communities.”
Speaking shortly after presenting governor Yahaya with Ome Udo 1 of Gombe title ‘peace maker’, the leader of Igbo Community and Welfare Association, Gombe chapter, Ben Onu Aruonu who appreciated the governor for finding a south easterner worthy of political appointment called on South East governor’s to reciprocate such action by appointing northerners for the purpose unity.
According to him, “Igbo’s in state and diaspora salutes you for appointing our illustrious son as Special Adviser.
” we also use this opportunity to call on South Eastern governor’s and other governor’s to reciprocate this gesture as it will improve the unity and peaceful coexistence in our country. If the governor’s in south east can also appoint our brothers from the north as special adviser, it will make them settle down. Knowing that Nigeria is on.”
