The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association (IPMAN) says by intervening in the blockade of food supply from north to the south, Yahaya Bello, Kogi governor, helped to resolve what would have become a “protracted national crisis”.
Bello had helped facilitate an agreement to end the blockade by the Amalgamated Union of Foodstuffs and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria (AUFCDN).
The Kogi governor had said some leaders “close to the seat of power” were not happy with his intervention.
Speaking at a meeting with the governor in Lokoja on Wednesday, Sanusi Abdul Fari, national president of IPMAN, described the governor’s action as “patriotic”.
“Stepping out to douse tension in such a period of national crisis is patriotism at its peak,” Fari said.
“Your swift decision to call to dialogue the warring parties was timely and has helped resolve what would have become a protracted national crisis.
“You have demonstrated rare leadership quality and we are here to say thank you for rising to the occasion by providing leadership.”
In response, Bello said everyone must do everything to ensure that Nigeria remains an indivisible and united entity, irrespective of ethnic groups or religions.
The governor said the country needs peace and security, noting that support should be given to the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari in building a united Nigeria.
“Nigeria will continue to remain an indivisible entity, and this can be sustained when we are all deliberate and united in ensuring that peace and security must be topmost priority in our dealings,” Bello said.
