Umuahia (FIC Report)- The Northern Governor’s Forum has extolled Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu for the exceptional leadership he exhibited in the face of the security crisis that rocked the state last week.
The Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, Alh Kashim Shetima who led four of his colleagues,Rt Hon Aminu Maisari of Katsina state, Rt Hon Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto, Rt Hon Solomon Lalong of Plateau and Atiku Abubakar Bagoro of Kebbi, to Umuahia on behalf of the other members of the forum on a thank you visit to Ikpeazu, commended him for saving the nation from impending doom.
“I am here with Northern Governors who respect and promote the unity of the country, Nigeria. We are in the state to thank our brother Governor, Ikpeazu for his leadership at a time the nation needs quality leadership. He saved the nation from impending doom.”
“We, the leaders have a role to play in bringing about peace and stability in this nation”. We are here to show support and solidarity in the kind of leadership exhibited by our brother Governor in times of crisis and conflict, he rose to the challenges of leadership’
He said that the Governors have an obligation to ensure that the country remains one indivisible country, adding that the Northern Governors are proud of the Igbos whom he described as African Jews.
According to him, the Igbos are economically enterprising, maintaining that they( Northern Governors) are here to make the country work.
Shetima said that they are against mass exodus of Nigerians from one part of the country to another, stressing that “Our brothers from the South- East can come to any part of the North to stay and do their business as nobody has the right to drive away any Nigerian from any part of the country.
Receiving his Northern colleagues, Governor Ikpeazu said he was humbled by the show of love and solidarity by the Northern Governors, adding that he derives a lot of joy from the camaraderie that exist among the Nigerian Governors forum.
According to him, the intention of those who decided to threaten the peace of the state was ill and made it clear that he owe it a duty to ensure that everyone in his care is safe.
“Your visit has demonstrated that the string that bind us together is strong and we will remain one and not allow an infinitesimal minority to tear us apart”.
He urged the moslem community in the state to go about their businesses as normalcy has returned to the state and stated that the cordial relationship between the Igbos and their Northern brothers will continue.
