Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has assured the Hausa/Fulani Communities in the state of adequate protection of their lives and property by the State Government. He said adequate measures have been taken in collaboration with the security agencies to protect them and therefore there was no need to panic or relocate from the State.
Dr. Uduaghan, who gave the assurance at a meeting with the Hausa/Fulani communities in Asaba yesterday, said his administration has made adequate security arrangement to protect all northerners in the state. He said he sees members of Arewa Communities in Asaba as indigenes of Asaba and thus should regard Delta as their home.
The Governor promised to continue to identify with them explaining that he would promote and boost the relationship that has been existing for more than 100 years. His words: “l want to assure you of adequate protection and security of your lives and property. You have been here for so long and you do not have any other place.”
Dr. Uduaghan said the Commissioner of Police, the Director of SSS and the Army Commander are on top of the security challenges and would not allow anyone in the State to be harmed. He enjoined them to report any problem to the traditional ruler in their neigbourhood as well as identify strange and unscrupulous visitors who could constitute threats to the state.
Advising them to live harmoniously with their neigbours, the Governor enjoined them to caution cattle rearers to desist from carrying dangerous weapons. Furthermore, he said “ Live peacefully with your neigbours and advise cattle rearers among you not to look for trouble and should not be carrying dangerous weapons.”
He said he appointed one of them as his Special Assistant to promote mutual understanding and good rapport between Deltans and the Hausa community and give them a sense of belonging. Dr. Uduaghan expressed appreciation to members of the Hausa community for comporting themselves decently in spite of some challenges. The Governor who said some of the negative reports being speculated about the state was not true, said: “ Most negative reports making the rounds are not true.
Delta State is peaceful and there has been no religious or tribal conflict. I am happy that our Arewa brothers can confirm this.” Speaking on behalf of the Arewa Community in Delta State Hon. Bawa Abdullahi said his people are indigenes of the state especially as their fathers, grand-fathers and great grand-fathers had lived in the state for more than 200 years. Hon. Abdullahi said many of their parents married Deltans and were born in the state and they therefore have no place to run to.
He also explained that some of their parents held elective positions and fought with the late Dennis Osadebey for the creation of Delta State. The spokesman expressed appreciation to the Governor for giving them protection and for appointing their son as special assistant.
