Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano state has said that as leaders in
Northern Nigeria, all governors in the region are solidly against ethnic
prejudice, as promoted by certain group of youth, declaring categorically
that Igbos in the region will stay forever.
“Even if you want to go on your own, we will not allow you to leave. There
is a difference between I will not go and there is no where I can go. You
don’t have anywhere to go, this place is your home”, he asserted.
The governor stated this on Friday night when he received leaders of the
Igbo Delegates Assembly, IDA, led by the President- General, Chief Chi
Nwogu, at the Government House in Kano.
According to him, even foreigners are residing comfortably in Kano and
other parts of Northern Nigeria and are engaged in legitimate ventures,
adding that there is no basis to threaten other Nigerians, who
collectively fought for the nation’s independence.
“Those advocating ethnic agitation from the East are not speaking for all
Igbos. Those of us, who as youth witnessed the Civil war, will never
advocate secession”, he stated.
Governor Ganduje said the Northern youth who issued quit notice to Igbos
in the region have also been called to order by elders, civic and
political leaders, including governors and the Sultan of Sokoto, because
all well meaning people believe in one Nigeria.
“When you have youths who have no elders, they are similar to riding a
horse without a bridle. It can behave anyhow and anything can happening.
This is what is happening”, he maintained.
He, therefore, described the meeting reconciliatory between the IDA
leadership and Coalition of Northern youths as timely, asserting that all
ethnic groups in the country have advantages which if collectively
harnessed would make the country greater.
“What is happening in Sudan is a lesson for all of us. The breakup of that
country has not taken them anywhere. We cannot afford to make that type of
mistake”, he said.
In his remarks, the President-General, Igbo Delegates Assembly, Chief Chi
Nwogu, said there were in Kano to meet the Coalition of Northern Youth
Groups, in respect of the quit notice issued Igbos in the North by the
youths.
“Both of us have agreed to set up a committee to sort out things and
ensure that there is peace”, he stressed.
Meanwhile, Governor Ganduje also met with members of the Coalition of
Northern Youth Groups, where he expressed happiness that they have
listened to the voices of elders and accepted to stride the path of peace.