Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State

Niger State governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello yesterday said after 56 years of being together as one nation, there was no need for agitation for secession.

He appealed to those calling for such separation to have a rethink because “the creation of Nigeria was not accidental, rather God ordained”.

Gov. Sani Bello made this passionate appeal during a special parade by security agencies, school children, artisan and cultural groups to mark the nation’s 56th Independence anniversary in Minna, the state capital.

He maintained that founding fathers of the country were quick at inception to realize that there is unity in diversity and have over these years strived to keep the country together.

The governor advised that if the national cake is no longer big enough, as it is been agitated, “it is only logical that we come together and bake a bigger one”.

He noted that Nigeria remains the greatest black nation in the world such that in every group of five black men, at least one of them must be a Nigerian. He then advocated we use our population to our advantage.

Earlier the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon. Isah Ladan said that the state government decided to celebrate the 56th anniversary in order to infuse national consciousness in the people for collective contribution to the development of the state and the nation.

The SSG urged all to use the celebration to reflect and re-dedicate selves to the service of our country by rallying round the administration of Gov. Sani Bello.

He said the administration is focused, decisive and progressive to consolidate on the achievements so far recorded in the areas of provision of some basic infrastructure like: good roads, resuscitation of schools, reviving the healthcare delivery system, youth and women empowerment initiatives, security among others.

The governor later flagged off sales of assorted grains at 50 percent market price as part of palliative efforts of the state government to cushion the effect on the present economic recession.

The grains are to be sold at headquarters of each of the 274 wards in the state.

To ensure proper coordination and accountable distribution of grains, Gov Sani Bello directed Special Adviser Special Duties, Alhaji Umar Alkali , Special Adviser, Local Alhaji Shehu Pawa, Director General, Project Monitoring, Alhaji Abdullahi Baba Arah and Hajiya Hannatu Salihu, to monitor the process.