Shehu Borno says unity, peace essential for national dev’t

The Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Garbai El-Kanemi, has emphasised the importance of unity, peace, and understanding in Nigeria.

Arewa PUNCH reports that the Shehu stressed that cooperation among Nigerians is crucial for achieving peace and development.

The Chairman of Borno State Council of Emirs and Chiefs made this disclosure on Wednesday during the 2024 Deba Cultural Festival organised by the Deba Emirate Foundation.

“What we need in Nigeria is unity, peace, and understanding,” he said.

“We have been advocating for peace and understanding. We need to cooperate with one another.”

El-Kanemi also highlighted the significance of collaborating with traditional rulers, like himself, to achieve peace. “Cooperate with traditional rulers because they are part and parcel of government,” he advised.

Recalling the long-standing relationship between Gombe and Borno people, El-Kanemi said, “the People of Gombe are good people.”

He recalled the flood disaster that affected the state in September, 2024, saying, “When the flood disaster happened, most of the people visited Maiduguri, including the deputy governor who represented the governor, Emir of Deba.

On his part, Emir of Deba, Alhaji Ahmad Usman, harped on collaboration with the traditional institution to achieve the much desired development.

The Kuji Jeba traced the origin of Deba to Yemen, disclosing that “Deba is the cultural headquarters of the Tera people.”

Also speaking, the Speaker of House of Representatives, Tajudeeen Abbas, who was represented by the lawmaker representing Ningi/Warji Federal Constituency of Bauchi State, Adamu Randa, lauded the organisers of the cultural festival promising to replicate it in his area.

Abbas also donated N5 million to encourage the organisers

Also, the Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, who was represented by Deputy Governor Dr Manassah Jatau, called for concerted efforts towards prioritising culture and tradition.

Jatau noted that criminal activities and vices would be mitigated when people are thought to embrace their culture.

“I have been to over 60 country as a retired Deputy Comptroller of Customs, I always see people that were proud of their traditions. Avoidance of culture and tradition is the cause of rape, armed robbery, and other vices,” Yahaya said.