The Chairman of Northern Governors Forum and the Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, has commended the wisdom and leadership exhibited by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State in handling the recent security challenge in Abia State.
Kashim, who stated this when he led a delegation of Northern Governors to Abia State, said that Ikpeazu saved Nigeria from danger.
The Chairman of the Northern Governors noted that the visit was to show solidarity to the Abia Governor who rose to the occasion at a time when the country needed quality leadership.
Shettima commended the declaration of curfew by Ikpeazu which he said brought about peace and normalcy in the state.
“We are here to thank our brother, Governor Ikpeazu, for his leadership at a time when the nation needs quality leadership. He rose to the occasion. He saved the nation from danger.
“I want to thank him on behalf of our colleagues. We are here to thank the governor on behalf of the 19 northern governors for the leadership he exhibited in moments of crises.
“We, the leaders, have a role to play in the peace and unity of this nation and leadership is about having perfection, it’s about symbolism.
“We are here to show solidarity and encourage the leadership exhibited by our brother and brother governors in the Southeast.
“We are here also to address the northern communities. We do not want any mass exodus from any part of the country to the other.
“In times of crisis and challenges, this our brother governor refused to toe the line of others but rose to the challenge of leadership. He imposed curfew and that brought about a lot of sanity.”
He said northern governors respect the unity of the nation, hence the need to ensure its indivisibility.
The Borno Governor said Northerners are proud of Ndigbo because the Igbo race has what it takes to preserve the unity of the nation.
He described Nigeria as the last hope of the black race and should try to remain indivisible at all cost.
Shettima assured Igbos living in all the 19 northern states of their safety and urged them to go about their normal business without fear or favour.
Ikpeazu, who said he was humbled by the show of love and solidarity from his northern counterparts, said he has drawn strength and energy from their visit.
He said the visit demonstrates his faith in the indivisibility of the country, noting that the strings that bind the nation together is still intact.
The governor assured of the property of lives and property of everyone living in Abia.
Ikpeazu thanked the governors for holding sway in their various states during the crisis.
The delegation includes Governors of Borno, Kashim Shettima, Kebbi, Atiku Abubakar Bagudu, Sokoto, Aminu Tambuwal, Katsina, Aminu Masari and Plateau, Simeon Dalong.
