Northern Nigerian Govs Take Peace Campaign to Southeast, South south

By Our Reporters

Following a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari last Sunday before his departure for the 72nd General Assembly of the United Nations in New York, a delegation of the Northern Governors’ Forum on Monday commenced a two-day visit to the South-east and South-east geopolitical zones in a bid to douse tension and promote peace and dialogue among all sections of the country.

The delegation met with the Rivers State governor, Mr. Nyesom Nwike and his Abia State counterpart, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, in Port Harcourt and Umuahia respectively, where it was assured by both governors of their commitment to the country’s unity.

According to a statement by the media aide of the Sokoto State governor yesterday in Sokoto, Mr. Imam Iman, the delegation was led by the chairman of the forum and Borno State governor, Kashim Shettima.

Other Northern governors in the delegation were Tambuwal, Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi and Simon Lalong of Plateau States.

“The delegation will hold meetings with their counterparts in Rivers, Abia and Imo States. 

“Apart from the visit to political leaderships in those states, the delegation is expected to meet with traditional and religious leaders.

“The governors will also during the visit confer with Northern resident in those states.

“Importantly, the delegation will reassure their counterparts in the South-south and South-east that all Nigerians are free to stay in all parts of the country, especially in the North, and that the entire North stands with the people of South-east in this period of heightened tension,” Imam stated.

He said the delegation had the blessings of the president and the consultations will continue with all stakeholders so as to enhance unity and peace in the country.