By Magnus Effiong
With socio-political, economic and ethno-religious upheavals shaking the Nigerian State unabated, the Obong of Calabar, His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V and the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero have said they would work towards ensuring the country remains stable, insisting its peaceful co-oexistence and unity would not be compromised.
The Monarchs, who said this in Calabar during the courtesy visit of the Emir to the Palace of the Obong of Calabar, noted that Nigerians do not have the luxury of staying divided on ethnic, political and religious lines any longer as effects of acrimony was too heavy to contemplate.
The two First Class Monarchs submitted that for the country to achieve its anticipated development, different ethnic tribes and tongues and indeed all Nigerians should embrace and regard unity and peace as topmost priority of their daily lives.
Speaking, Edidem Abasi-Otu, who addressed the Emir of Kano as ‘my brother,’ said “the visit of the Emir of Kano is, to me, historic and will go a long way to cement the existing bond of unity between the two people of Kano and Cross River States.
“Let me say that we have had this relationship far back beyond two of us. We inherited the relationship and we are poised to keep and possibly improve on it for the sake of posterity. We will do everything within our powers as human to remain United and peaceful.
“My prayer is that this oneness and unity will be replicated by our people across the country because as they say, divided we fall and together we stand. I implore all Nigerians to allow peace and unity to reign. That is the best way through which we could progress and develop as a country.
“Our University, UniCal, is blessed to have such a sound, decent and revered Monarch, the Emir of Kano, as its Chancellor. He has the capacity to open more doors for the good of UniCal and raise its status.”
Speaking earlier, Alhaji Bayero, whose investiture as the Chancellor of University of Calabar took place on Thursday in the institution, said “let the Obong of Calabar and the people of Cross River State know that they have a brother from Kano. I promise to always be there, not only for the University but for the people of Cross River State.
“We have always been brothers and I intend to continue from where our forefathers left. We shall take this relationship to another height.
“The unity of this country will not be compromised and let me urge all Nigerians to continue to remain united and peaceful so as to have a country where love and peace will reign till eternity. On our part, we will always advocate peace for by it we progress.”
High point of the occasion was thee exchange of gifts by the two topmost leaders amidst cheers from members of the Emirate Council, the Etubom Traditional Council and other dignataries who graced the occasion
Our reporter learnt thatbitbwas the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, UniCal, Prof Florence Obi who led members of the top management of the varsity to the palace as part of activities heralding its 35th convocation billed for Friday and Saturday this week at the Abraham Ordia Stadium in UniCal.
