William Attah, Gombe
Leader of the Igbo Community and Welfare Association in Gombe State, Sir Ben Onu Oruonu, has called on State Governors from the Southeast region to emulate Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State by appointing Nigerians of Northern extraction into their cabinets.
According to him, doing that will improve the unity and peaceful coexistence of Nigeria.
He stated this when the Igbo Community paid a solidarity visit to the Governor over the appointment of one of their sons and Gombe business mogul, Chief Chidebelu Ewuzie, as Special Adviser to the Governor on inter-community relations.
He said, “If the governors in south east can also appoint our brothers from the north as special advisers, it will make them settle down. Knowing that Nigeria is one.”
He commended Governor Inuwa for the appointment of Chief Ewuzie saying, “Igbos in Gombe state and diaspora salute you for appointing our illustrious son as Special Adviser”.
In his response, Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya said Nigeria has no reason to be divided along religious or ethnic lines.
The Governor who bemoaned the existing gulf among ethnic nationalities in Nigeria said the country will be more prosperous as a united front, describing himself as having Igbo blood in his system.
He said his administration will continue to provide friendly atmosphere and enabling environment for all ethnic nationalities residing in Gombe State to attain their aspirations and contribute to the progress of the state.
He also stressed that the task of building the nation and Gombe state is a collective responsibility of all regardless of origins saying, “the people stand stronger, live better and happier if they remain united”.
“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.
Governor Yahaya, who assured the Igbo community a piece of land to build a secretariat and a cultural centre, pledged same to other ethnic nationalities if they request.
He then appealed to the Igbo community to continue to support the present administration in Gombe State by paying their taxes to enable Government carry out developmental project.
