The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, has assured that the relationship established between the emirate, the government and people of the state with Akwa Ibom 30 years ago
for mutual benefits.
Alhaji Bayero, who lauded the peaceful disposition to the non-indigenes including the Hausa – Fulani community in the state, pledged to work within the ambit of the traditional institution to harness the socio – cultural synergy for unity, peace and development of the country.
Emir Bayero, who was reacting to a remark by an industrialist and member of the state’s traditional institution, Adaha Ibibio, Otuekong Sunny Jackson Udoh, at the palace of the Oku Ibom Ibibio, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, at Ikot Okubo, Nsit Ubium local government area, said such a memorable accord remained very significant, and must be sustained.
“When we work together as brothers, there is nothing you can’t surmount. Nigeria must be united. I had earlier pledged my support and that of our emirate for your state, it is a commitment,” he said.
Chief Udoh had recalled how the late Emir of Kano (Aminu’s father), the Shehu of Borno and the Sultan of Sokoto supported the campaign to repeal the Offshore/Onshore Oil dichotomy.
I was in the group assembled by the then governor, Obong Akpan Isemin. I joined the team because due to my business, I had a relationship with these monarchs and other partners in Northern Nigeria.
“During the visit they (the former monarchs) were very accessible and cooperating. The monarchs spoke with one voice. We visited the emir first and he was very frank and simple. This is the type of relationship I cherish and we should always work together to develop our country. That was all he said and others said the same thing.
‘”It was therefore gladdening when the then military president Ibrahim Babangida visited Uyo during his farewell tour and announced the abrogation of the offshore/onshore oil dichotomy decree,” he said.