Niger State Governor and Chairman North Central Governors Forum NCGF, Abubakar Sani Bello has appealed for calm in the wake of disturbances and tension in some parts of the North, following the murder of Deborah Samuel, a student of Shehu Shagari Collegeof Education Sokoto on the allegation of blasphemy.
In a statement, the Governor said peaceful coexistence in a plural society like Nigeria, was not only necessary, but the first condition for growth and development.
He said, “peace is in the best interest of everyone. Without peace we cannot sleep; without peace, we cannot work. Peace is the bedrock of everything. Without it, our dreams die.”
The Governor admonished all to be accommodating and tolerant of Nigeria religious and cultural diversities so as to make Nigeria a destination of choice for many people in and around the world.
He appealed to traditional, community, religious and opinion leaders to refrain from making inflammatory statements and encourage their constituencies to continue to be law-abiding.
Governor Sani Bello observed that vile and unfounded rumours and exaggerations have often provided fertile sources of conflict and urged all to dispel them.
He enjoined the public also to be proactive and report issues likely to lead to breach of the peace to authorities for immediate intervention.
While commiserating with the family of the deceased, the Governor directed the Police
and other security agencies in the state to deal decisively with any individual or groups, who attempt to exploit the current situation to foment trouble.
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