Austin Ajayi, Yola
The Igbo , Yoruba , Edo, Ibibio and other southern communities in the North Eastern Nigeria have called for the unity of the country.
Speaking at Igbo day celebration in Yola, the southern leaders insisted that oneness of the Nation is not negotiable, urging separatists to shelve such idea for collective interest.
Noting that Yobe, Borno, Taraba, Adamawa, Gombe and Bauchi making the northeast region of the country had a projected population of 23,558,674 or 13.5 of the country population.
The traditional rulers jointly stated that out of this population, the Southerners make up to 13 million which is over 50% either born in the region or doing legitimate business.
The position of the southern traditional rulers was read by the President General of Edo Cultural Association Adamawa state, Chief Bawalkson Ilegienuo at this year’s Igbo cultural day celebration in Yola.
According to them, “the present political tension across the country has been a cause of concern to Yoruba, Igbo and other communities in the north”
“We the southerners in the north distanced ourselves from the call for separation”.
They call on Nigerians to work for the unity of the country, insisting that individual or regional interest should not be above collective interest.
The president general Igbo cultural Association Adamawa, who is the chief host, Chief Fidelis Umeh appreciated the state government for providing enable environment in which they operate.
He however congratulated the igbo of Yola for steadfastly sustaining the spirit and objective of Igbo day concept and making it a positive vehicle for sharing their collective dream and aspirations.
The Eze Igbo of Adamawa, Igwu Godwin Omenaka called for prayers and the unity of the nation.
He however charges his subjects to be law abiding as well as reaffirm their vote of confidence in Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for his peaceful dispositions in governance couple with his giant developmental strides in all part of the state.
He also called on the people is Anabara state to come out and vote for candidate of their choice in this Saturday’s governorship election, he urged those planing to cause problems during or after the election should have a rethink.
While condemning the spare of attacks in the Eastern part of the country by unknown gunmen, the traditional ruler stressed that there can only be peace when there is understanding among the people.
Some people were honoured with traditional titles with promises to work for harmonious relationship among various tribes in the state.
