The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has said that Nigerians must be united for the nation’s economy and democracy to grow and prosper.
Akume said this when he hosted a delegation of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria, led by its Chairman, Chris Alozie, on Friday in Abuja.
“Nigerians must work together for the peace of the country and the development of our democracy and economy. We must be united always as a people. As the Sardauna of Sokoto used to say, the prime of the knowledge, our strength lies in our diversity.
“That is very true till this moment. Together, we will continue to come up with things that will continue to grow this democracy, grow our economy. That is what we need in this country.
“If there is prosperity, all of us will benefit. If there is chaos, all of us will be victims,” he said.
Earlier, Akomas, who was a former deputy governor of Abia State, said the stability of the government at subnational level was critical to the stability and development of Nigeria.
He said that this was why the forum would be holding its annual conference on October 21 in Abuja, to promote cordial relationship and stability at the subnational level.
“If we do well, if there is stability, if there is unity, if there is peace, if there is understanding in the running of affairs of our states, it will also encourage and strengthen the government at the center so that development can be easier, seamless and more understandable,” he said.
Asked on the forum’s efforts at addressing the current crisis between governors and their deputies, Akomas said the conference would among others also address the crisis between governors and their deputies, tapping from experience of those who once occupied the same office.
“We have people who have served as deputy governors, that became governors and that are still very much with us. We will be bringing out their experiences.
This is a reservoir of expertise of knowledge and that is why we are ensuring that we come together to make this available to our nation for the well-being, goodness and progress of the country,” Akume said.
