National integration and unity came to the fore as governor Abubakar Sani-Bello received members of the National Reconciliation Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on a sympathy visit over the recent abductions in Niger state.
Senate President, Bukola Saraki who led the delegation, condemned the abduction and called for national unity to end the menace that had bedevilled the country.
Senator Saraki said that it was a national issue that should be devoid of partisanship, urging Nigerians to come together to solve the problem.
“This matter is a national problem and should not only be left to the government, everybody even opposition, we should all come together and give support.
“When people are kidnapped they don’t ask them if they are APC or PDP, they are Nigerians and as such we must have a national approach, we are all ready and willing to contribute our role”, he said.
He said that even though they were on a different assignment, they had to visit and condole the governor as well as show their solidarity to the state.
Dr. Saraki called on government at all levels to improve on technology and intelligence as well as provide initiative to tackle the problem.
The former Senate President prayed for the safe return of the kidnapped victims.
Sani-Bello said that the peace of the country should be made paramount as political activities could only thrive in a peaceful society.
He appreciated the solidarity visit from the opposition and for their concern which was a way forward for national unity.
Sani-Bello said he was still worried that the victims were still in captivity, but said that there is light at the end of tunnel as Sheik Ahmad Gumi had offered to assist with the release of the victims.
The governor said that the bandits were having a field day in the state which was a result of its large size of landmass as they operate freely before help will come.
Other member of the delegation were the former governors of Niger state, Mua’zu Babangida Aliyu, Cross River, Sen Liyel Imoke, Katsina, Ibrahim Shema, Gombe, Ibrahim Dankwambo, and former leader, House of Representatives, Mulikat Akanbi.
The Committee members had earlier visited the Former Military President and Fomer Head of State General Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar at their uphill residents.
