Gov. Abubakar Bello of Niger said on Thursday that his government would do everything possible to protect the lives and property of Igbos living in the state.
Bello made the remark during a courtesy visit to Government House, Minna by the Igbo community in the state led by Eze Pampas Nwahiwe.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Bello was reacting to recent October 1st quit notice issued by the Arewa youths, in reaction to agitations for the realisation of Biafra.
“There is no course for alarm. Niger State Government will do everything possible to protect the lives and property of Igbos. The unity of Nigeria is not negotiable.’’
He said that law-abiding people must be allowed to live and do business in any part of the country they chose.
“It is wrong for anybody to ask other people to leave one part of the country.’’
The governor said that a democratic dispensation where citizens are allowed to air their views must not be abused.
“We are in a democracy where people are allowed to say what they want, but we should be careful not to say the wrong thing,’’ he said.
He advised that the country should develop beyond tribal sentiments and stop giving opportunity for some people to preach hate and violence.
Bello commended the Igbos for their contribution towards the development of the state and the country at large.
Earlier, Nwahiwe, who is also the Chairman, Igbo traditional rulers in the 19 Northern states, advocated for efforts would unite rather than divide the country.
“I join other patriotic Nigerians in calling on all divisive elements to drop the campaign for disintegration and advance views that will unite us.
“We align ourselves with the position of South-East Governors, Igbo elders and Ohaneze Ndigbo leadership, which favoured restructuring rather than agitation for self determination,’’ he said.
Nwahiwe also thanked the state government for creating a conducive environment for Igbos to do business in the state.
He appealed to the governor to appoint Igbos into political offices, to enable them to contribute more to the development of the state. (NAN)