NIGERIANS MUST WORK TO SAFEGUARD DEMOCRACY, DECLARES GOVERNOR ADAMU AT ‘RECEPTION 2000’

 The socio-political reality of Nigeria has made it imperative for the North and other parts of Nigeria to work together to safeguard democracy in Nigeria. Governor Abdullahi Adamu made this declaration when he addressed a large gathering at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium during a reception held for Vice-President Abubakar Atiku in Kaduna recently.

 Governor Adamu who spoke for and on behalf of the 19 Northern Governors, the organizers of the reception, stated that the Northern part of the country was a major stakeholder in the political and economic equation of Nigeria. He said that the destructive actions and provocative pronouncements of some tribal champions have once again put Nigeria at crossroads, adding that these actions and pronouncements have dire consequences for the nation and its people. He called on all Nigerian’s especially notable Yoruba leaders, to condemn the atrocities of the O’odua Peoples Congress if they are not to be accused of sponsoring the ethnic cleansing being perpetuated by the congress in Lagos.

 According to Governor Adamu, the North and its people have done nothing to deserve this outpouring of venom and hatred. “We have exercised tremendous restraint in the face of this premeditated attacks and killings of our people. Our restraint must not be taken as weakness. We are compelled to warn that we cannot tolerate any more killings of our people” He further declared, “Nigeria belongs to all of us”

 Speaking at the same occasion, former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowan urged Northerners to work to harness the resources of the North by tapping on the abundant energy, intelligence and diligence of the people. According to him, the North must endeavour to preserve and support each other in the endeavour to lift ourselves out of the vicious circle of bias and negative ethos.

 In response to the various addresses at the occasion, Vice-president Atiku said he was ready to lead the North against the enemies of national unity and democracy. Speaking in a raised voice, Vice-president Atiku said, “I am aware of insinuations that I and the Federal Government are anti-north. But nothing can be farther from the truth. I am a northerner and the north is my constituency…it will be absurd to ascribe such notions to me”

 The reception was attended by a mammoth crowd comprising of delegations from all the 19 Northern States and from other parts of the country.