Govs worried over Abia impasse —Yari

CHAIRMAN of Nigeria Governors Forum and Zamfara State governor, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari, has said the 36 state governors are worried about the political logjam in Abia and are working behind the scene to ensure there is no breakdown of law and order in the state.

Speaking on Sunday when he addressed traditional rulers from Abia, who paid a condolence visit to Sokoto State over the death of Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi, Yari said it was of paramount importance that all sides claiming victory over the governorship contest respect the courts and avoid acts that would lead to violence.

The royal fathers were led by the chairman of both the South East Council of Traditional Rulers and Abia State Traditional Rulers’ Council, Eze Eberechi N. Dick.

“As a forum, we are concerned about what is going on in Abia and we are working to ensure all sides respect the courts and uphold peace. Abia is known for peace, as such, we should not do acts that will disturb the peace of the state,” Yari added.

Earlier in his remarks, Sokoto State governor, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, had said Sokoto State had a long standing relationship with the people of the South-East, adding that the visit of the traditional rulers on a condolence had reaffirmed that relationship.

Tambuwal said rather than lay emphasis on things that divided the country, Nigerians must emphasise on those aspects that united the nation.

“We are all on a journey to unity, stability and progress of our dear country. Abia State governor is a very good friend of mine, so I am praying for him to overcome the present challenges he’s facing as a public officer,” he added.

On Shinkafi, Tambuwal described him as a man of wisdom and integrity who enjoyed the respect and admiration of all Nigerians.

Speaking at the occasion, Eze Eberechi commended the Sokoto government for the warm relationship between indigenes and residents of other states, especially those from South-East living in Sokoto.