NAN-H-65
Visit
By Emmanuel Acha
Enugu, Dec. 19, 2016 (NAN) Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State on Monday urged Nigerians to coexist peacefully irrespective of tribe and creed.
Ugwuanyi made the call when a delegation led by Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’adu Abubakar, visited him at the Government House in Enugu.
He said that the visit reflected the sense of common destiny among Nigerians.
The governor said that the visit had cemented the spirit of brotherhood between the people of the South-East and their brothers in the North.
“This visit also demonstrates the promotion and entrenchment of unity and brotherhood and sense of common destiny among Nigerians in all sections of the country.
“Regard this visit as a home coming having started your military career in the state as well as your continued affection for and solidarity to the state.
“Let me, therefore, extend to you the profound appreciation and very warm wishes of the people of the state and more especially for accepting to visit the state at this period,” he said.
Ugwuanyi described Abubakar as a true friend of the people of the state as well as a staunch supporter of Rangers International FC of Enugu.
“We will also use the opportunity to respectfully relate to your eminence some of the contemporary challenges which we believe you will graciously assist us to address,” Ugwuanyi said.
Earlier, Abubakar said that he was in the state at the request of the state governor that had earlier invited him on a working visit.
He described his visit as historic and nostalgic, adding, “I thank you for this opportunity for us to come back home where we belong. Thank you for inviting us.
“We have never really felt better and at home in most of the places we have visited than we did this morning.
“That is the spirit of brotherhood and love to relate as friends. That is the spirit of the season and I want everybody to use this opportunity to rekindle that spirit of love between all of us as one people,” he said.
Abubakar said that he was very much part of the state having started his military career in Enugu 39 years ago.
“I commend your good works and for offering assistance to our people in the state and pray for you to have a much better tenure and long life,” Abubakar said.
The Sultan will be a guest at the reception in honour of Rangers International FC of Enugu for emerging champions of the 2015/2016 Nigerian Professional Football League season.
Abubakar, during the three days visit will also inaugurate some completed projects by the state government and attend a grand reception in his honour in Nsukka. (NAN)
OA/FF/GY
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Edited by Fela Fashoro/Grace Yussuf