Determined to ensure that a harmonious relationship exists between ethnic nationalities wherever they reside in the country, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has initiated a peace accord meeting between Christians and Muslims, particularly farmers and herdsmen in the South East zone.

He has therefore convened an interactive meeting for the purpose of fostering harmonious relationships between the Groups at the Executive Council Chamber, Government House Owerri, where the governors of Jigawa and Kebbi states, Muhammadu Abubakar and Atiku Baguda respectively were in attendance.

Also present were the Chairmen of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) from the South East zone, Chief Imams from the zone, leaders of Miyetti Allah from the five South East States, President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and heads of religious and traditional institutions.

Addressing the audience, Uzodimma harped on the need for sustainable harmonious and peaceful relationship between all tribes, irrespective of religious beliefs or political inclination.

Uzodimma lamented the current security challenges in the nation which he said were being instigated by peddlers of rumours and false information, to encourage conflicts between farmers and herders, stressing that “the two groups should complement each other because they need each other to succeed in their businesses.”

The Governors of Kebbi and Jigawa states, in their remarks appreciated Uzodimma’s wisdom in convening the meeting, and acknowledged that all Nigerians have the right to live peacefully in any part of the nation, under the protection of the leadership of the state governments.

They advised that all criminals inhabiting in the forests should be flushed out both in the Northern and Southerner parts of the country and be prosecuted.

Representatives of the Christian, Muslim, Traditional institutions, and Miyetti Allah who spoke, advocated the need for sustainable harmonious relationships among all ethnic groups in Nigeria.

At the end of the meeting a communique was issued where a harmonious, peaceful relationship that will foster a united Nigeria was agreed by all concerned.

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma (5th right); Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu (4th right); Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar (6th left); Ohanaeze Ndigbo President General, Amb. Prof. George Obiozor (2nd right); National Secretary General of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders of Nigeria (MACBAN), Baba Othman Ngelzarma (right) and others in a group photograph at the Sam Mbakwe EXCO Chambers, Owerri

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