Abia State governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has said he will appoint a Yoruba man from South West region as Special Adviser on Ethnic Harmony.
The governor who also approved a vehicle for Yoruba community living in Abia to ensure the smooth running of their association which will be made available this month also advised them to formally request for a parcel of land to erect their Secretariat.
The Governor while receiving in audience, the leadership of the Yoruba Community Development Association, Abia State chapter at governor’s lodge in Aba on Saturday assured the Yoruba Community in the State that his administration and indeed the people of Abia State will always and at all times, coexist peacefully with them and continue to provide an enabling environment for all citizens to pursue their legitimate undertakings.
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He stated that no Yoruba indigene has any reason whatsoever to entertain any fears about residing and doing business anywhere in Abia State because our people basically see them as part and parcel of our community.
A statement issued by Onyebuchi Ememanka, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor says, “The Governor made it clear that every citizen of Abia State has a responsibility to protect Yorubas around us, because a Yoruba man and former Military Governor of the then Western Region, Late Col. Adekunle Fajuyi preferred to die with our son and former Head of State, General Aguiyi Ironsi instead of allowing him to be taken away from his house where he was on official visit in July 1966.
“According to the Governor, that gesture by the late Fajuyi has a major historical significance and makes it imperative for every Abian to ensure that every Yoruba son or daughter living with us is well protected from any form of harm.
“Governor Ikpeazu told his visitors that having lived in Lagos for some years, he can testify first hand that Yorubas are as accommodating as our own people. He also told them that his late mother had her nursing training in Ife many decades ago and spoke unadulterated Yoruba language. His late parents in law also lived and had clinics in Ife. At no time were they harassed not denied anything on account of their origin.
“He told them further that he had visited Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu of Lagos State last week to commiserate with him on the massive destruction of public and private property in Lagos in the wake of the violent EndSars protests and to thank him for ensuring that our people continue to enjoy the projection of the State Government.
“On their request for consideration for political involvement, the Governor agreed that it was a just request, noting that Igbos hold both elective and appointive positions in places like Lagos. The Governor stated that one of them will be appointed his Special Adviser on Ethnic Harmony.
“On their request for a vehicle to assist their association, Governor Ikpeazu promised to provide a vehicle for them before the end of this month and also asked them to formalize their request for a parcel of land to enable him give the necessary instructions to the Commissioner for Lands. The Governor also promised to repair their vandalized mosque, stating that it is sacrilegious for anyone, under any guise, to attack and vandalize any place of worship.
“He urged them to continue to be law-abiding and respect the cultures and traditions of their hosts. He thanked them for all their contributions to the economic growth of the State and for the support to his administration.
“Speaking earlier, the President of the Yoruba Community Development Association, Abia State branch, Comrade Babatunde Olatunde thanked the Governor for granting them audience and assured him that they will continue to live and do their businesses with regard to the laws of the land. He told the Governor that most of them have lived here for several years, with a good number of them married to our daughters and vice versa. For them, Abia has become home.
“He thanked the Governor for ensuring that they have lived here peacefully over the years.
“They appealed to the Governor to grant them a parcel of land to build their Secretariat, give them opportunities to participate more and contribute to the political development of the State and give them a vehicle to assist their association.
“They presented the Governor with an award as THE MOST ACCOMMODATING GOVERNOR IN NIGERIA”
