Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has emphasised the need for a unified Nigeria where agitations from various quarters should be settled through peaceful dialogue.
Governor Bello who made his views known when he paid a courtesy visit to his Abia State counterpart, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu at Government House Umuahia, expressed optimism that the country would be stable, prosperous and overcome it’s challenges.
He called on all to preach peace, unity and togetherness inorder to move Nigeria forward adding that country can never divide.
Bello said: “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.
“Some segments of this country might be agitated due to one practice or the other that we might feel uncharitable but it is only on the round table that we can resolve it.
“Whatever are the differences, it abounds everywhere in this country. We should sit on the table and pass through the proper channel through the leadership of our people here so that we can get everything solved.
“I believe that when we listen to each other attentively, we will get the problem of this Nigeria solved”.
Governor Bello used the opportunity to commend Igbos living in Kogi State for the peace and harmonious relationships in the State.
He said: “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 and contributing immensely towards the economic and political development of Kogi state and of course indeed my government”.
Bello who disclosed he is in Umuahia to identify with an APC stalwart, Chief Ikechi Emenike on the burial of his mother in-law,said he equally came to pay courtesy on Governor Ikpeazu having arrived the State capital.
He commended Governor Ikpeazu for the good working relationship existing between them irespective of ethnicity, religion and party differences.
Responding,Governor Okezie Ikpeazu associated himself with a united and stronger Nigeria which he said is the goal of all adding that despite differences, with a little more patience and tolerance Nigeria will overcome her current challenges.
Ikpeazu noted that Igbos have shown great faith in the unity of Nigeria more than any other ethnic group and called on other ethnicities to emulate the same spirit to foster a more united Nigeria.
He pointed out said the Igbo man lives and does business in every part of the country as well as contributes to the socioeconomic development of his host community and warned against the temptation of wholesome profiling of any ethnic group in Nigeria.
The Abia Chief Executive appreciated Governor Bello for appointing youths in his cabinet including Igbo people and described him as his friend and strong pillar of support.
