Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum and Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari, said the 36 state governors in the country are worried about the political logjam in Abia, and are working behind the scene to ensure there is no breakdown of law and order in the state.
Speaking Sunday when he addressed traditional rulers from Abia who paid a condolence visit to Sokoto over the death of renowned politician, Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi, Yari said it is of paramount importance that all sides claiming victory over the governorship contest respect the courts and must avoid acts that will lead to violence.
The royal fathers were led by the Chairman of both the South East Council of Traditional Rulers and Abia State Traditional Rulers’ Council, HRM Eze Eberechi N. Dick.
“As a forum, we are concerned about what is going on in Abia and we are working to ensure all sides respect the courts, and uphold peace. Abia is known for peace, as such we should not do acts that will disturb the peace of the state,” Yari added.
Earlier in his remarks, Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, said Sokoto state has a long standing relationship with the people of the South East, and the visit of the traditional rulers on a condolence has reaffirmed that relationship.
Tambuwal said rather than lay emphasis on things that divide the country, all Nigeria to emphasise on those aspects that unite the nation.
“We are all on journey to unity, stability and progress of our dear country.
“Abia State Governor is a very good friend of mine, so I am praying for him to overcome the present challenges he’s facing as a public officer,” he added.
On Shinkafi, Tambuwal described him as a man of wisdom and integrity who enjoys the respect and admiration of all Nigerians.
“No doubt, Shinkafi is the father, and architecture of Nigeria’s modern security apparatus. His ideas and handwork gave birth to our present security structure, so he fully deserved all the enconmiums that have come his way since his passage,” the Governor added.
Speaking at the occasion, Eze Eberechi commended the Sokoto government for the warm relationship between indigenes and residents of other states, especially those from South East, living in Sokoto.
Meanwhile, more dignitaries have visited Sokoto to condole the family of late Shinkafi. Bauchi State Governor, Muhammed Abubakar and his Kogi State counterpart Yahaya Bello, have visited the deceased’s residence to condole with his family.
