Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, has urged Nigerians, especially the youth to move beyond primordial sentiments that is slowing the country down insisting that Nigerians are better off as a strong and united nation of diverse people.
The Governor stated this shortly after observing the two Rakat prayers to mark this year’s Eid-Il-Fitir celebration at Minna Eid praying ground, Minna, the state capital.
Governor Sani Bello advised promoters of secession to desist from their unpatriotic act and join hands with the well meaning Nigerians to build a virile and strong country that will be the envy of other nations.
“Nigerians are better off together. We can together channel our useful energy to other more important national issues that unites the country rather than dwell on those little things that differentiate us.
“More importantly, it is a time that we all need to support President Muhammadu Buhari in his efforts to reposition Nigeria in the league of nations for the better days ahead to come speedy.”
The governor said that though the nation is going through one of the most challenging times of our national development, from paucity of funds to daunting security challenges, he was optimistic that tough time are not forever, but an opportunity to look inward and expand other sources of revenue, reduce cost of governance, block leakages and eliminate waste in government activities.
According to the governor, ” recent economic indicators have shown that the nation’s economy is emerging stronger from these challenges.”, adding that “as a responsive government, we shall continue to utilize the available resources judiciously to improve on the welfare of the people and develop the country”.
He called on all Nigerians to continue to be law abiding as “governments at all levels are determined to do everything possible to impact on the lives of the people no matter our socio-political differences”.
The governor then urged Muslims and all Nigerlites to continue to show compassion, genuine love, respect for one another, especially the weak and less privileged amongst us as sign of our obedience to the command of Almighty Allah.
He called on his people to embrace peace and religious harmony in their daily activities during this period and after. “We should remain vigilant and report any suspicious group or gathering to the nearest security agency as we are determined by our Oath of office to ensure security of lives and property across the entire State.”
The governor who said his prayers along with members of the state executive Council, the Emir of Minna, Alhaji (Dr.) Umar Faruk Bahago, former state governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu and other notable Nigerlites later paid a Sallah visit on the former military President, I General Ibrahim Babangida.
