Nigeria’s national integration very low, says Ganduje

From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

The governor of Kano state, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has said that Nigeria’s national integration is very low and that Nigerians need to be born again as far as national unity is concerned.

The governor made the statement at the 12th Colloquium as part of 69th birthday celebration of the National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), held at the Government House of Kano state, yesterday.

According to Ganduje, the theme of the ceremony; Our Common Bond, Our Common Wealth; The Imperative Of National Cohesion For Growth And Prosperity is a challenge to the politicians, elites and even the ordinary Nigerians is to strive to achieve national integration, irrespective of region, ethnicity or religion.

He noted that the theme had exposed the level of national integration among Nigerians, noting that if a study could be conducted, the result would show that the country’s national integration is very low.

“The theme of this year’s colloquium has exposed the level of national integration. The level of national integration is very low if a study would be conducted. It is a challenge to the politicians, elites and even ordinary Nigerians to come together to strive for national integration,” Ganduje said.

The governor noted that unless if Nigerians are committed and stand on their feet, the issue of tribalism, religion, ethnicity, sectionalism, suspicion, among others would bring the country down.

He also noted that in terms of national integration, Nigerians need to be born again to achieve greater unity.

Ganduje then commended the Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari for his commitment to keep Nigeria peaceful and united, noting that the president could not do it alone as he needs the cooperation and support of all the citizens.

“ Issue of tribalism, religion, ethnicity, suspicious, unless if we are committed, it would bring us down. The president is doing his best to keep one Nigeria, but he can’t do it alone. All Nigerians have to be born again as far as national integration is concerned,” he said.

Ganduje thanked Tinubu for bringing the ceremony to Kano,  which according to him,  is the commercial nerve centre  northern Nigeria and some neighbouring countries.

In his remarks,  President Buhari, who joined the gathering virtually from villa, stated that despite differences in terms of religion, ethnicity and region, Nigerians are still strong and patriotic.

He said the citizens must support and accept the project to achieve greater Nigeria.

While congratulating Tinubu for his 69th birthday, Buhari described the event in Kano as a mark of commitment to promote peace and unity among Nigerians.