The unity of Nigeria remains non-negotiable as it is the oil that galvanizes progress and unity across the nation.
This affirmation was made in Dutse, Jigawa State, Southwest Nigeria, by a prominent entrepreneur, Nasiru Danu, in an interview with Voice of Nigeria, following his inauguration as the holder of the traditional title of ‘Sardaunan Dutse,’ by the Dutse Emirate Council.
Danu, who spent part of his life in Rivers State, Southern Nigeria, noted that the unity of Nigeria cannot be compromised for whatever reason.
“My late father went to Rivers State over 70 years ago; we lived there, he had children and grand and great grandchildren there. We were not in any way threatened. I see myself as an indigene of both Jigawa and Rivers States.
“On the unity of Nigeria, I will borrow a word from former President Muhammadu Buhari, who once said, ‘the unity of Nigeria is not negotiable.’ Therefore, we must stand for the unity of Nigeria as there is no amount of threat, evil or crisis that we cannot manage as a nation,” he stressed.
Good Leadership
The ‘Sardaunan Dutse’ used the opportunity to call for the sustenance of good leadership in order to enhance peace and progress in Nigeria.
He said: “What we need in this country is leadership. If all the good leaders come together, we can produce a more united Nigeria. Without Nigeria, how could I have known somebody from Rivers State and how can a person from Rivers State come to a young community called Ruru in Dutse Emirate and we become best of friends? So, Nigeria is our home and in Nigeria we stand.”
United Nigeria
In the same vein, Mr Adokiye Ikpoki was also bagged the title ‘Sodangin Dutse,’ told Voice of Nigeria that he will use his new role as a title holder to preach peace and unity among Nigerians.
“I am a detribalized Nigerian and my friendship cut across the nation. I am an entrepreneur so I do business with people of all tribes and religions. Religion makes no difference to me. I deal with people on their personal merit and I believe that this title is a signal to the world, as it shows that we are one in Nigeria and in Africa we are one people with just a few misguided elements who do not understand that we all come from the same club irrespective of our tribes or religion.
“So we will use this title to continue reaching out to people of all tribes and religions in order to extend our friendship to all and sundry, especially people of good will in our country,” the business tycoon emphasized.
Mr Ikpoki called on leaders at all levels to concentrate on what citizens have in common as well as fight hunger and poverty in order to move the country forward.
The turbaning of the two business magnets was witnessed by Vice President Kashim Shettima and former President, Muhammadu Buhari as supervised by the Emir of Dutse, Muhammad Hameem Sanusi.
