The traditional ruler of Gaate in Kokona local government area of Nasarawa state, Alhaji Ibrahim Labaran Adamu, has explained why Nigerians must strive to live in unity notwithstanding their diversity in culture, religion and ethnic backgrounds.
Alhaji Adamu in company of his palace chiefs spoke to Journalists at the weekend at Agbarho in Delta state during the internment of late Professor Moses Tedheke, a professor of political science at the Nigerian Defense Academy.
He said Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa state in a tribute recently to late Prof Tedheke described the late Professor and his son, Retson Tedheke, as detribalised and patriotic Nigerians who have worked tirelessly for the unity of the country.
While he advised Nigerians to shun bigotry, he also warned that they should be cautious of the fact that there are people profiting from the ongoing campaign against the unity of the country.
According to him, “I traveled hundreds of kilometers with my team to grace this occasion and to commiserate with Retson, who by his love for Nigeria was made a traditional title holder (Sarkin Yaiki Gaate) in Kokona LGA, and I have learnt beyond the stories I hear daily about the South.
“I have heard stories of hostilities in the Niger Delta but the reception I received since I came gives me a different impression about the South.
“Nigerians, South, East, West and what have you must be ready to embrace peace, tolerate one another for the good of the country.”
He further said that the unity of the nation would be a mark of honour for the sacrifices of men of the Nigerian army like Prof Tedheke who did not only faught in the Nigerian civil war but dedicated their entire lives working for the unity of the country.
