Jigawa: preaching and practising unity

As a former Foreign Affairs minister, Lamido understands the concept of national unity, not only as an ideological principle but as the cornerstone of national integration. Peaceful co-existence, mutual understanding among all the ethnic groups in Nigeria, political stability and unity of purpose are necessary ingredients for the rapid progress of any state and of […]

As a former Foreign Affairs minister, Lamido understands the concept of national unity, not only as an ideological principle but as the cornerstone of national integration. Peaceful co-existence, mutual understanding among all the ethnic groups in Nigeria, political stability and unity of purpose are necessary ingredients for the rapid progress of any state and of Nigeria, he often preaches.   Nigerians, from whatever part of the country they originally come from are free to live wherever they chose and their rights are guaranteed by the constitution.  
 Lamido of course was speaking in response to recent events when non-indigenes were forced to register in some states. He said that state governments asking Nigerians to register in their own country were sending a wrong signal that was not healthy for the unity of the country.  
Such messages by leaders of every political persua-sion are important in the current circumstances, with elections approaching and fears being expressed of possible resort to violence in their aftermath. In Jigawa for instance, all Nigerians are free to come, visit, interact, transact business, work and live as they would in their native state, without fear of threats to their person or their possessions. It does not matter if are Igbo, Yoruba, Angas, the Ijaw, Kanuri, Idoma, Tiv, Jarawa, Nupe, Jukun, etc, you are welcome. In fact, there are of these ethnic groups and many others going about their normal life in many parts of Jigawa State.  
Despite their ethnic and religious background, the leadership and members of Barewa Old Boys’ Association (BOBA) were in Dutse, the Jigawa state capital recently for their 2014 Annual lecture and Dinner and many of them commented that Jigawa State has indeed been transformed in the seven years since Lamido, an alumnus, took office. The transformation has been in all sectors and the overall impact has been profound.  
The Jigawa State University at Kafin-Hausa, built to afford state indigenes more access to higher education opportunities, received particular praise. Half of eligible candidates of Jigawa origin who seek admission into higher institutions fail to get places due to lack of opportunities, hence the very warm welcome with which Jigawa citizens received the establishment of the state university.
In the last fifteenth years, there had been a decline in the provision of services and amenities to the people despite the huge resources that accrue to the country, he noted. He particularly frowned at nepotism, saying it has reduced the quality of social services provided to the people. This, he said, has posed challenges to unity and security of Nigeria. It has also resulted in more poverty and mistrust of leaders, which in turn bred crises in the country.   

 Adamu Mohammad Usman, special adviser on media to Jigawa State governor <[email protected]>;