Governor Bello receives Northern Traditional leaders from south East, south south »

… Calls on Northern leaders to raise the standard of quality leadership in the region

Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello on Thursday received a delegation of Northern Traditonal rulers and leaders in the South East, South South geo political zone who paid him a courtesy visit, where he noted that kogi state has always played the role of unifying citizens of the country.

The Governor added that whatever was being done to maintain peace and order, unity and togetherness and ensure the elimination of discrimination along ethnic lines, were simply steps in the foot print of fore fathers who preached unity and peaceful coexistence in their lifetime.

At a meeting held with the delegation in Lokoja on Thursday, the governor alluded that the North was known for quality leadership with sincerity which allowed the region to experience peace in their time, revealing that current realities of the security situation in the North was as a result of some leaders who were self seeking.

Governor Bello emphasized the need for Northern leaders to have a sober reflection and imbibe the good qualities of past leaders to unite and speak up against bad leaders among themselves as well take rational action against the ills of the society.

He stressed that the good commendations he got from the visitors would only spur him as an individual, the government and people of the state to do more adding that it was a divine providence that Nigeria was consummated in Lokoja the state capital in 1914 which has since then reflected in its disposition in ensuring the unity of the country and even taking up key roles in such venture.

The Governor recalled his intervention in the resolution of the embargo and tussle between the Northern and southern traders, where he was instructed by President Muhammadu Buhari to resolve the disagreement that would have disintegrated the country.

He added that Kogi’s peaceful disposition allowed it to become a center which had accommodated citizens from other States who were either evicted or given quick notice from their previous settlement and they have since settled in the confluence state and were peacefully co existing with citizens.

Governor Bello thanked the citizens including traditional rulers, religious bodies, women and youth groups for their understanding to cohabit with several new citizens of the state, noting that one of the benefits of such an open door policy was the increase in population and voting power.

The governor asserted that his leadership would continue to use the position entrusted by the people for the collective good of the citizenry while his administration would remain accountable to the people by ensuring justice, fairness and equity.

The governor charged the leaders to continue to maintain peace and order in their respective domain by displaying leadership qualities, while they should admonish their people to be law abiding citizens.

Earlier in his speech, Chairman of the group who is also the Sarkin Hausa of Umuahia, Abia State, Alhaji Yaro Danladi, said the visit was to appreciate the Kogi Governor for his roles in nation-building and development.

He said the people are appreciative of the governor’s role in ending the recent north-south food crisis, and for making Kogi State conducive for all tribes. He described Bello as a detribalised leader who is very passionate about the unity, peace and development of the country.

The monarch said Yahaya Bello is a unifier whose nationalist qualities are needed at the helms of leadership of the country especially with the overwhelming challenges of insecurity, ethnic or regional agitations and economic downturn which Nigeria is faced with.

The group assured of their support for Yahaya Bello in his political endeavors.