Tambuwal on Igbo quit notice: I support position of northern govs

Aminu Tambuwal, governor of Sokoto state, says he aligns with the position of northern governors on the quit notice issued to Igbo by Arewa youth groups.

In the wake of the controversial notice, Kashim Shettima, Borno state governor, had on behalf of his colleagues disowned the “faceless youth groups”.

Reiterating Shettima’s position on the matter, Tambuwal assured the Igbo and other communities that Sokoto is their “home”.

Imam Imam, Tambuwal’s spokesman, quoted him as saying this on Friday evening while breaking Ramadan fast with members of the resident communities in the state.

He said Nigerians “must feel free to stay in any part of the country without fear of molestation”.

“I align myself fully with the position of the northern governors as enunciated by our chairman, Kashim Shettima, governor of Borno,” Tambuwal said.

“We have enjoyed a robust relationship with all members of the resident communities; you have no reason to fear. Sokoto is your home and it will continue to remain as such.

“Nigerians now need to team up as a people and find lasting solutions to the myriad of challenges confronting the nation.

“We are a blessed nation and we should continue to develop our strengths so as to provide the needed leadership for Africa and the black world.

“So, as far as your stay is in the northern part of the country and in Sokoto, do not feel threatened by anyone.”

Steven Okoro, representative of the Igbo community in Sokoto, commended the state government for “making Nigerians living in Sokoto to feel at home”.

“We have never felt threatened in Sokoto. We and our families have stayed here in peace for hundreds of years,” he said.

“Our relationship with all groups of people here is based on mutual trust and respect for one another.”

Abdulfatah Coker, leader of the Yoruba community in Sokoto, and Muhammad Ibrahim, chairman of the association of resident communities in the state, pledged to continue to support constituted authorities to deliver on their mandates.