By Suleiman Adamu, Sokoto
DESPITE the space created by the existing political differences, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto state has applauded the President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government for displaying non partisanship in supporting the state as well it’s sustained efforts at rescuing and bringing back Nigerians, especially students trapped in Ukraine as a result of Russian invasion.
Tambuwal who is one of the PDP Presidential ticket hopeful for the 2023 general elections stated in Sokoto when he received the Minister of Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Onyema.
He noted in excitement the non partisanship exhibited by the federal government in helping Sokoto state towards checkmating the spate of insecurity that has ravaged parts of it and the country in the recent past.
“I commend the Federal Government for the ongoing efforts to evacuate trapped Nigerians from Ukraine,” the Governor said while singling out the minister for his uncommon determination and patriotism in ensuring the triumph of Nigeria’s diplomacy.
“He is among the few foreign ministers we have had that speak every important language in the world. He is doing well and representing our country very well in every forum internationally,” the Governor explained.
Tambuwal who also doubles as deputy chairman Nigeria Governor’s Forum(NGF) and Chairman , PDP Governors’ DForum further prayed to God to continue to strengthening the patriotic spirit of President Muhammadu Buhari to confront all security challenges facing the country.
The governor further appreciated Tambuwal appreciated Federal Government efforts towards tackling insecurity in the state, noting that there has been responsive synergy among security apparatuses working in Sokoto.e
He pointed out that peace was gradually returning to Sokoto while stressing that whatever affects one state in Nigeria, affects all and even neighboring countries.
On national cohesion and integration, the Governor said Sokoto state had been instrumental by in view of it’s pivotal role, thus: “is one state where everyone is treated equally, explaining that there no discrimination in terms of provision of subsidized education, housing and empowerment to the people of Sokoto and Nigerians of all shades and convictions living in the state.
He maintained that Nigerians must embrace one another in the spirit of love, unity and progress, hence ” We must work towards ensuring that all of us are one. We must not discriminate against one another. We must work as one people who have the country at heart.”
Earlier, Onyema said himself and his team were in Sokoto to commiserate with the government and people of the state over the series of tragedies witnessed and suffered over time by the state.
According to him, ” within these periods, the international community has inundated the ministry to convey condolences. We also and assure the state of the continued solidarity of the Federal Government and the international community.
” Also, will like to disclose that the international community is behind you and the state, ” while expressing profound sympathy and condolences to the families and victims of unfortunate incidents that were witnessed in the state.
Hitherto, Onyema said ” Mr President is proud of you and the state. Many people have spoken sincerely and highly of his and state hospitality,” the Minister noted, saying that he hopes other states will emulate what you and Sokoto are doing.”
On the efforts to move Nigerians trapped in Ukraine out of the embattled country, Onyema said all the students of Sokoto state caught in the tragedy have been evacuated, just as the government continues to work tirelessly to ensure the evacuation of all Nigerians there.
Onyema however , explained that the over 400 students trapped in Sumy, North-Eastern Ukraine would now be evacuated after difficult negotiation.
