MINISTER of State for Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu has declared that the unity and peaceful co-existence of Kogi State is not negotiable, even as she called for a united force in the forthcoming governorship elections.
She made the call when a large delegation of Kogi Political Triangle (KPT) led by the coordinator, Honourable Adamu Shuiabu paid her a visit in her office in Abuja.
Dr Aliyu, who emphasized the need to build bridges among the different ethnic groups in the state, also acknowledged that peace is a daunting task but achievable, stressing that the state would achieve more under one united body.
In a statement issued and signed by her Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Austine Elemue, a copy of which was made available to the Tribune Online in Abuja, on Sunday, the minister, however, called on the people of the state to support the government at the center in order to realise the dreams of the state, observing that Kogi was blessed with ingenious and competent hands.
She also described women as devotees in nation’s building, while calling on them to use their numerical strength to vote massively for Governor Yahaya Bello in the forthcoming Kogi governorship race.
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“There is nothing we can achieve without peace. Kogi State is blessed with ingenious and competent men and women. We are doing well in building the nation, and nation-building is a collective responsibility.
“I sincerely believe that Kogi State will be a hub of activities after the second tenure of Governor Yahaya Bello. Kogi State unity is not negotiable. It is not about a political party or ethnicity anymore.
“We must follow the government at the center to get the dividends of democracy in order to realize the Kogi of our dream. We are stronger in unity. However, I know unity is a daunting task but achievable. Kogi State at this point of our political era needs continuity and consolidation.
“The Governor is an Ebira man, but serving other ethnic groups without discrimination. It is painful that in recent past, the state suddenly becomes a shopping center for other political bigwigs to decide who become governor of the state,” she noted.
On his part, the leader of the delegation, Honourable Shuiabu, said that KPT came into existence to ensure that ethic and senatorial politics come to a halt, while calling on other groups to promote peace and unity in the state.
The highpoint of the event was the conferment of matron of Kogi Political Triangle on the minister by the group.
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