Shettima: Current State of Affairs Requires Teamwork

•We’re poised to tackle challenges in north, says Yahaya at meeting with vp

Deji Elumoye in Abuja and Segun Awofadeji in Gombe

Vice President Kashim Shettima has stressed that the state of affairs in the country required the cooperation of all citizens irrespective of differences in political affiliations or religious persuasions, tribal and sectional backgrounds to support the Tinubu administration in its noble objective of transforming the country.

This was as the Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya and Chairman of Northern States’ Governors’ Forum, at a meeting with the vice-president, pledged to lead the process of sustaining peace in the 19 northern states in Northern Nigeria, saying he aimed to change the narrative and create room for more development in the region.

However, the Vice President spoke yesterday, when he received in audience, the leadership of the 10th House of Representatives led by the Speaker,  Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, in his office at the State House, Abuja.

Speaking after the introduction of the principal officers, Shettima solicited the support of the House of Representatives for the actualisation of the agenda of the Tinubu administration.

According to him, “the President is determined to redefine the meaning and concept of modern leadership. He started firing on all cylinders from day one.

“The president has proved his competence, his capability and his commitment. I urge you, the Rt Hon Speaker and the esteemed leadership of the House to support the President in his noble objectives of transforming this nation.

“The state of affairs in our country requires that we coalesce into a single force irrespective of differences in political affiliations or religious persuasions, tribal and sectional backgrounds, because what binds us together supersedes what divides us.

“It is very difficult to remove the building blocks holding this country together. We are a kaleidoscope of colours. We are essentially one people tied to a common destiny, so, let’s work together. We need this country to work and this government is willing to work for the good of the nation.”

Earlier, Abbas while introducing the new principal officers, assured Shettima of the House’s support for all federal government programmes and policies, noting that, “We are willing to partner and collaborate with you to work on everything that is in the interest of the Nigerian public.”

Meanwhile, Yahaya, who also spoke after a meeting behind closed doors with Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, stated that he would work with the support of the federal government and various state governments to find solutions to the problems in the region.

“As the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, I will ensure that we get to the roots of all the problems and through the support of the federal government and the various state governments.

“We will come up with the solutions; things that will trigger positive actions and reactions and very soon, by the grace of God, the narrative will change and we will have a peaceful north that is contributing to the development and prosperity of Nigeria.”

The Governor also planned to replicate the formula used in Gombe State to sustain peace in all parts of the region, according to a press release issued by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General, Press Affairs, Government House.

“There is peace in Gombe for so many reasons like the nature of our people. We are a mixture of people of several ethnic groups and religions living together peacefully. Within a family, you can have people of different faiths but having the same parents and because of that, the background is so unique that we have built on it to sustain the relationship.

“Secondly the government is focused on security and is working day and night together with the security agencies in the State to ensure that there is compliance with law and order and that is feasible to a reasonable extent in Gombe.

“Then there are issues that have to do with resources especially land, because our people are peasant farmers, those involved in crop production and livestock production so in-between, because of the encroachment of our grazing and forest reserves plus the cattle routes, issues resulted into rustling, banditry and kidnap for ransom, which is prevalent in the North-West and North-Central.

“So, at the moment we are focusing on maintaining the peace by providing resources for everybody and every sector in a way that we always understand and cooperate with one another for the purpose of sustaining peace and tranquility in the State and that is why Gombe has made some difference,” he said.