“We are not in support of Nigeria’s Breakup” – Gov. Ganduje
By Jack Acheme and Tukur Garba Arab, Kano
Kano state Governor, Dr. Umar Ganduje has emphatically declared that the people of the North West region of the country are not in anyway in support of the agitation for Nigeria’s breakup as being sort for by some certain quarters in the country.
Ganduje made the declaration during the opening ceremony of the Public Hearing organised by the House of Representative’s Special Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution as amended, held at the Bristol Palace Hotel, Kano.
He said “together and united, Nigeria is stronger and bigger in the eyes of the world.”
Ganduje said diversity in tribe, ethnicity and religion among others in Nigeria should be seen and used as opportunities to build a greater nation, as studies have shown that each of the ethnic components of Nigeria have unique God given talents.
He therefore urged lawmakers to, in the process of receiving contributions and reviewing the Constitution, eschew sentiments aimed at causing havoc to the unity of the nation.
“As lawmakers, I urge you to put the interest of Nigeria first and above all in the course of reviewing the constitution.
“There is no better time to organise the constitution review than now when various groups from across the country are yearning for a review.
“So, people from across the country are looking up to you to provide a new sense of direction for the country towards addressing the multi-faceted challenges bedevilling the nation.
“Kano state government is highly in support of the exercise as it will go a long way in addressing the challenges,” he said.
He said his declaration on the non divisiveness of Nigeria is a complete representation of the opinion of the people and states of the North west.
Shared values and mutual interest
The Chairman of the committee, Kano centre and Majority leader, House of Representatives, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, said the event was coming when the country was being challenged from all sides including agitations and the need to address a number of contentious issues as enshrined in the constitution.
“The efforts to review the constitution have become an integral feature of the activities of the National Assembly since 1999, as a way of sharing with members of the public our primary legislative functions,” he said.
He urged members of the public to make the best use of the opportunity to express themselves because according to him, great nations are built on the advancement of shared values, the protection and advancement of mutual interests regardless of diversity.
Doguwa reiterated the commitment of the National Assembly to drive the process to push the country forward.
Emmanuel Ukoh