Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi has given a posthumous award of “Peace Idol” to late President Umaru Yar’Adua and late Lt.-Col Muhammad Abu-Ali for their contributions to the peace process of Nigeria.
Yahaya Bello awarded the late peace icons at the celebration of his birthday in Lokoja.
The governor, who is an advocate of a peaceful and secured Nigerian, said that ”the peace and security of a country lies in the hands of citizens; hence the need to recognize those who have contributed to the process.
“Late President Umaru Yar’Adua was a man who was very passionate about the peace of Nigeria. He led the process of ensuring that peace and stability was restored in the Niger-Delta when the agitation was at his peak.
“He initiated the Amnesty Programme to achieve peace and reconciliation by offering amnesty to all the militant groups in the creeks.
”He established the Ministry of Niger-Delta to take care of the needs of the area which produces the bulk of the resources sustaining the nation,” he said.
According to him, this ushered in an era of peace and stability in the region and boosted Nigeria’s image in the comity of nations.
“Late Lt.-Col. Muhammad Abu-Ali, our own son died in the line of duty while vigorously fighting the Boko Haram insurgents.
“The brave Abu-Ali led the battle to recapture towns which were already taken over by the Boko Haram insurgents.
“He died protecting the country he loved and testimonies from those who served under him shows he is truly exceptional and brave.
“Today we are honoring these great men for their efforts in driving the peace of this country,” Bello said.
In a video message, Hajiya Turai Yar’Adua, wife of the late President Yar’Adua appreciated Bello for the special recognition of her husband’s efforts to the peace and development of Nigeria.
Receiving the award on behalf of the Yar’Adua’s family, Mallam Isa Yuguda, former Governor of Bauchi State and son-in-law to the late President appreciated governor Bello for the recognition.
Yuguda said that just like the late President Yar’Adua, Bello was a man of peace, which can be seen in the state he governs.
Brig.-Gen Abu-Ali (rtd), father of the late Abu-Ali also appreciated Bello for the special honor to his late son, stating that the family was happy that his effort was being recognized. (NAN)
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