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Benue Gov. disowns Biafra agitators
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has revealed that he is not interested in any act that will lead to the disintegration of Nigeria stressing that, “I will never support any secessionist agitation.”
The state, according to him, “was committed to building a strong and indivisible nation and would never support Biafra agitation.”
This was disclosed at a meeting with Benue Council of Chiefs held in Makurdi which was attended by various stakeholders and leaderships of tribal and religious groups resident in Benue.
The meeting restated the government’s readiness to protect the rights of Nigerians residing in the state, irrespective of their ethnic backgrounds. It was a proactive measure against reprisal violence over skirmishes in some parts of the country. Read also: IPOB struggle : Goodluck Jonathan reacts
Ortom said: “Benue is not in support of any secessionist agitation and will not want mischief makers to cause violence in the state. People with such plans are advised to leave in their own interest.”
He charged traditional rulers and leaders of other ethnic groups to preach the message of peace to their localities, urging them to report trouble makers to the appropriate authorities.
In his remarks, the Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, commended the proactive steps of the government toward calming nerves, and expressed the Tiv Traditional Council’s readiness to support Read also: Seven IPOB members in prison for alleged murder of ASP the measures.
Also speaking, the Och’Idoma, Mr Elias Ikoyi Obekpa, said that Benue has remained the most peaceful state in the country and would strive to keep that status.
The President of South-South residents in the state, Chief Godffery Ogboro, in a remark, said that his people were committed to the promotion of peace and unity in Nigeria.
Chief Chuks Albert, President, Igbo Assembly, Benue State Chapter, in his speech, condemned the secessionist agenda being pursued by some sections of the Igbo community, declaring that his group was in support of one Nigeria. Read also: El-Rufai behind Yar’adua’s death?
“We stand for one Nigeria; we are not part of the Igbo that want to secede by force. We thank the governor for guaranteeing our peaceful stay in Benue.”
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