By Ummi Ismaeel,
Minna
Former Military Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), has advised the Igbo to continue to allow their positive impacts be felt among host ethnic nationalities in the country and work towards promoting the unity and indivisibility of Nigeria.
Babangida gave the advice when he granted audience to the Igbo Delegates Assembly (IDA) from the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, led by their President, Chief Chikezie Okezie, and the Eze Igbo of Minna, Eze Pampas Ngozi Wahiwe.
He also appealed to Nigerians to uphold the ideals of the country’s founding fathers, adding, “An indivisible Nigeria is very necessary and we must do everything possible to remain as one family though we differ in tribes and tongue”.
Babangida appreciated the Igbo for being very enterprising and determined to succeed by penetrating parts of the country for business exploits.
He however urged them to use same spirit of enterprise to promote peaceful co-existence among Nigerians.
The former leader who said he once wished to spend part of his life in the Eastern part of the country, reminded every Nigerian that ‘‘The indivisibility of the country is non-negotiable and this we must all promote at all times.
“You have done well to keep Nigeria together.” Babangida who expressed appreciation to the delegation added that the Igbo are known to have the potentials of traveling far and wide, exploring new frontiers and business opportunities.
The delegation had earlier told Babangida that the purpose of the visit was to congratulate him on his 78th birthday and prayed God to continue to grant him strength and wisdom to offer advice that would help Nigeria in solving some of its teething problems. The Eze Igbo of Minna, Pampas Wahiwe, and the IDA President, Chikezie Nwogu, were unanimous in their resolve that, “As an elder statesman, Ibrahim Babangida’s wise counsel is very much needed at this point in our national life”.