Gombe Deputy Gov meets elders of ethnic groups resident
By Jack Tasha
Gombe State Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Jatau, has met with elders of diverse ethnic groups resident in the state to foster unity and peace towards cohesion, and progress of the state.
The Deputy Governor who presided over the meeting of the State government and Heads of Security outfits in the state said the meeting is necessary in view of dire need for peaceful coexistence towards sustainable socioeconomic development.
Jatau explained that the government of Gombe State appreciates the role of everyone resident in the state as very important, considering that they are impacting immensely in the economic and social development of the state.
He appreciated their support to the policies of the administration, their peaceful disposition and tolerance of other peoples interest which contributes in the peace and unity that exist in the state.
The Deputy Governor described the other tribes residing in the state as major stakeholders in all these achievements, stressing that whoever resides in Gombe and is contributing positively to its development is a Gombe Man or Woman.
He urged them to continue to see Gombe as their home, to feel free in the conduct of their normal legitimate duties, and to pray for God’s intervention in the affairs of the state and the nation for the best of all.
The Deputy Governor said, “The government wishes to recognize them as resident in Gombe instead of settlers because, addressing them as settlers is tantamount to stigmatization, expressing government’s willingness to receive any person from any part of the world as long as they will be law abiding and contribute to development of the state.”
He emphasised that integration and peaceful coexistence are necessary if, the state must grow, calling on all and sundry to pray for Gods intervention over the daily ugly incidences occurring in Nigeria.
Speaking in an interview shortly after the meeting, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Inter- Community relations, Chief Chidebelu Ewuzie expressed gratitude to the state government for the assurances of the security of their lives and properties, pledging to continue to work for the progress of the state and the nation.
He said the Religious and Community Leaders stood on the part of the oneness and unity of Nigeria, and shall continue to preach the gospel of peace and shun divisive tendencies.
In a communique later read to the journalists during a press briefing, the Honourable Commissioner, Internal Security and Ethical Of, Alh. Adamu Dishi Kupto said the consultative forum has attained a far reaching decisions at the end of the meeting.
The resolutions according to him include noting with deep concern the growing agitations across the country, most of which are regional, ethnical in nature and frowns arpt the role of the social media in overheating the polity.
The forum also frowned at succession calls by some sections of the country in whatever names and calls for restraints and calm.
The called in all religious bodies to preach love, unity and peace among all people, as well as noted with delight the efforts of Gombe state government in handling security situations in the state and encouraged them to maintain the tempo.
The forum also acknowledged and affirmed that the cordial relationship existing between all the people residing in Gombe State, regardless of ethnicity, or other regional affiliations, and reaffirmed the need to coexist as people with one destiny within the bounds of one Nigeria.
They also frowned with deep concern at the reported cases of communal clashes in some parts of the state and called on all to live peacefully with one another as panacea for meaningful socioeconomic development, among other resolutions.
Jack Tasha, Senior Special Assistant (SSA), Media and Publicity, Deputy Governor’s Office.
