Following claimed to Ajaokuta, Lokoja and Koton-Karfi by the Attah of Igalla, Micheal Ameh Oboni, the governor of Kogi state, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has warned against people wanting to divide the state against ethnic lines, saying no room for imperialism in the 21st century.
The governor’s warning was coming against the backdrop of the recent federal Court judgement delivered on the overlord of some areas by the Attah igala.
Governor Bello at a press conference Friday, said the state would come hard on people trying to factionalize the state, adding that the state since the commencement of his administration has been anchored on unity.
The Governor called on those affected to seek legal means to address their grievance, stressing that the state government would be hard on those using history rightly or wrongly to create confusion.
While stressing that the state would not fold it hands to allow for imperialism in this age of civilization, warned that the state would be ruthless on persons found culpable no matter how highly placed .
Bello said that the judgement should not be seen as avenue to be exploited to forment trouble or fan embers of division and disunity.
He urged aggrieved party to approach higher court if they are not satisfied with the pronouncements of the court.
“I advise those who may want to test the will of this administration to desist in their own interests as we will not spare any means to restore normalcy where they may want to brake the law” Bello said.
According to him,”This administration have toiled tirelessly to enhance the unity of the state.that is why we invented the acronym EBIGO, meaning Ebira, Igalaland,Okun to futher underline the seriousness with which we hold the unity of this state.
“We will not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone no matter how highly or lowly placed you think you might be you.”he added.
Meanwhile, the Member Representing Ajaokuta Federal Constituency Lawal Muhammadu Idirisu call for calm on the recent judgement by the Federal High court sitting in Lokoja the kogi state capital which declared Ajaokuta, Lokoja and koton karfe as part the Igala kingdom.
“We have been leaving happily together as one irrespective of tribal differences also embarked on inter marriages so we should not allow such judgement to divide us as it a civil and institutional matter.
He therefore urged his constituents to apply diplomacy and maintain peace and harmony within the domain and stop spreading further rumours that may cause disunity among the people.
“Ajaokuta is one and we should not allow ourselves to be divided as our unity has come a very long way.
