Former military head of state, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida says
the Igbo have done well in keeping Nigeria together.
Babangida said this in Minna,
Niger state, when he received the Igbo Delegates Assembly (IDA) from the 19
northern states and Abuja on Saturday.
The ex-military leader said
Nigerians must ensure that the country remains one.
“You should continue to allow
your positive impacts to be felt among host ethnic nationalities in the
country, as you explore business opportunities available,” he said.
“Nigerians, Igbos inclusive,
should ensure they uphold the ideals of Nigeria’s founding fathers.
“An indivisible Nigeria is very
necessary and we must do everything possible to remain as one family, though we
differ in tribe and tongue.”
Babangida
also asked the Igbo to use “the spirit of enterprise” to promote peaceful
co-existence among Nigerians.
“You have
done well to keep Nigeria together,” he said.
“The
Igbos are known to have the potential of traveling far and wide, exploring new
frontiers and business opportunities.”
In his
remarks, Chikezie Okezie, IDA president, said Babangida’s advice is needed at
“this point in our national life”.
“As an
elder statesman, your wise counsel is very much needed at this point in our
national life,” Okezie said.
