Nasarawa: MBF Commends Gov. Sule Over Resettlement Of IDPs

• Praises Sarkin Gudi For Fatherly Role

BY SEGUN ADEBAYO, ABUJA – The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has commended the governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, for the peaceful return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their ancestral homes in various parts of the state, including Gudi, the governor’s home town.
Speaking during a courtesy visit on the traditional ruler of Gudi who is also the father of Governor Sule, His Royal Highness Alhaji Sule Bawa, the Deputy National President of the Forum, Engr Tanko Baba Abdullahi, who led the MBF team, praised the governor for demonstrating unprecedented commitment towards peaceful co-existence amongst diverse ethnic groups living in the state.
The MBF team told the Sarkin Gudi that they were in his palace to express happiness at the recent return of Tiv communities that were sacked, following a crisis that rocked the town.
“We are happy that we have someone in the person of Governor Sule who indeed has proven to be a true father to all ethnic groups living not only in Gudi, but also various parts of the state. We are also grateful to the Almighty God that as the father to Governor Abdullahi A. Sule, you have always offered him a fatherly advice which we believe eventually facilitated the peaceful return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their sacked villages.
“We thank and commend Governor Sule for this achievement and we are proud of him as a true democratic leader for all ethnic nationalities living in Nasarawa state. The Middle Belt Forum is also proud of Your Royal Highness and greatly inspired by your passionate pursuit of peace for all ethnic groups living in Gudi,” Engr Abdullahi noted.
Also speaking, the President of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), Hon Jonathan Asake praised the monarch for standing up for his subjects and working towards the resettlement of displaced people in his domain.
“As the President of SOKAPU, the humane disposition of Governor Sule in ensuring that all displaced persons return to their sacked villages is inspirational. In a period when some governors are not committed to bringing peace to crisis-torn communities in their states, the Nasarawa governor has shown himself as a true democrat. We commend Your Royal Highness for the right upbringing you instilled in your children by ensuring they embraced the right values in life.
“The commendable traits of Governor Sule demonstrate the right values that are being cherished by Your Royal Highness. We pray that the Almighty God will grant many more years in good health and prosperity for the advancement of peace in your domain,” Hon Asake said.
The National Treasurer of the Forum, Engr. Ben Akaakar, thanked the Sarkin Gudi for finding time to receive the delegation and praised the monarch for his compassion in ensuring that all ethnic groups in his domain are living in peace. He called on the royal father to continue seeing all ethnic groups as one and part of the collective humanity.
“We thank Your Royal Highness for what you have achieved in facilitating the return of displaced Tiv communities in your domain. The presence of the Middle Belt Forum, including a royal entourage from Benue State, is a reflection of how happy the Tivs, especially those in Benue state, are. We are grateful and we pray that the Almighty God grant you long life and prosperity in service of humanity.
The Benue delegate that was also a part of the MBF team led by His Royal Highness Ter Kunav, Chief Nyiyongo Achiaku, presented the Sarkin Gudi with a bag and royal attires was quickly worn to the admiration of the MBF delegates and Tiv dancers and drummers whose presence had attracted a large crowd of people to the palace.
Among the MBF delegates were the Liaison Officer of the MBF, Comrade Jonathan Tsaku and the National Woman Leader, Hajiya Amina Wamba.
In his response, the Sarkin Gudi welcomed the delegation and called on Nigerians to embrace peace and dialogue as means of resolving crisis, instead of resorting to confrontation.
“Each time there is a problem, people will start blaming the devil. Let me tell you that there is no any devil apart from people. If the people are united and do what is expected of them, we shall have peace. But when people resort to spreading baseless rumours that are capable of inflaming passion, then, definitely we are encouraging violence.
“We have relevant democratic structures that encourage resolution of our problems. As a people we should always refer to our political representatives and ensure that our demands reach to our political leaders for resolution,” the monarch told the visiting Middle Belt leaders.
A troupe of Tiv traditional dancers entertained guests at the occasion, while the MBF delegation presented a cow and other gift items to the monarch.