Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has revealed that from the inception of his administration, no Igbo citizen has been apprehended or linked either directly or indirectly to any insecurity activities in the State.
Governor Bello who made the revelation when he paid courtesy to his Abia State counterpart at the Government House in Umuahia said he was in the State for the burial ceremony of the mother in-law one of the illustrious sons of the State, chief Ikechi Emenike.
In his remarks during the courtesy, Bello said, “Let me report to you sir, ever since i assumed office in Kogi state, we have been fighting crimes and criminality, we have not apprehended any criminal that is either directly or indirectly linked or referred to as Igbo by extraction.
“That is to tell you that certain impressions that were being created in the minds of certain people are wrong so, your people have been living with us in peace and harmony since I assumed office in Kogi state.
” We thank God that we have been living in peace and harmony and contributing immensely towards the economic and political development of Kogi state and of course indeed my government.
He maintained that Nigeria can never divide, “Yes because of certain practices of the past we can have differences here and there which by the grace of God as time passes by, we shall correct them and Nigeria shall remain together.
“We are going to be stable and prosperous. Let me appreciate you for the warm reception you have given to us today. Let me recall, you were the first governor when I assumed office on 27th of January 2016, you are the first governor who called me directly to congratulate me.
“You are not of the same party with me, we don’t come from the same region and we don’t practice the same religion as the youngest governor then and now, you welcomed me with your arms open and there has been this very strong mutual respect and cordiality between myself and yourself.
“I sincerely appreciate that sir. And not only that, all of my colleagues from the eastern flank have this wonderful cordial relationship amongst us.I sincerely appreciate.
“We in Kogi state and under our adminstration, we look at each and every one as a Nigerian first before you talk of where you come from before even the religion you practice.
Responding,Governor Okezie Ikpeazu said Igbos have shown great faith in the unity of Nigeria more than any other ethnic group and called for other ethnicities to emulate the same spirit to foster a more united Nigeria.
He said the Igbo man lives and does business in every part of the country as well as contribute to the socioeconomic development of the country.
Governor Ikpeazu was of the view that despite differences with a little more patience and tolerance Nigeria will overcome her current challenges.
According to the Governor if equal opportunities are given to Nigerian youths, they are capable of occupying strategic positions and leading the country aright and saluted Governor Bello’s disposition to galvanize Nigerians.
