Akpabio tasks leaders on inclusiveness for national unity

The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, has enjoined Nigerian leaders to encourage inclusiveness to allow every section of the country to have a sense of belonging.
Akpabio made the call on Wednesday during a Gala night in honour of the Nigeria Consensus Group at Government House Banquet Hall, Uyo at the end of their three-day National Political Summit, with the theme: “Roadmap to Political Stability and National Security in Nigeria.”
The state hosted the Summit.
Akpabio remarked: “We must allow inclusiveness.
“We must allow every section of the country to have a sense of belonging.
“We as leaders must live by example for the country to move forward.
“I believe every Nigerian child is free to live anywhere in the country without fear.
“For with love, we can change the country.
“If we love our nation, we must love ourselves.
“My administration believes in oneness of the country.
“That’s why those working with me are from different states of the nation.
“So, I also call on Nigerians to support President Goodluck Jonathan because the failure of the President is the failure of the country.”
The governor, who thanked the delegates for holding the summit in the state, said he was glad that the summit was held in the state for members of the group to see that through the state, there is hope for the country and that democracy has thrived in the state.
He said the need for a dialogue through the summit to strengthen the foundation of the country was key.
Akpabio, who also commended the organizers for effectively representing the country well, pointed out that the group has nothing to do with financial benefits but rather has chosen to contribute positively to the country.
The governor pointed out that just as their founding fathers like late Bashorun Moshood Abiola; his wife, Kudirat; and others struggled for years to bring about good governance and democracy that the state and country are enjoying today, he was happy that their labour was not in vain.
The National Chairman of Nigeria Consensus Group, Prof. Ben Nwabueze, applauded Akpabio for throwing away the insinuations that the group maintains an anti-President Goodluck Jonathan stance.
Nwabueze further commended Akpabio for the fantastic job done in the state through rapid development.
He said that they are in the state to learn from the developmental strides of the state, which, according to him, shows there is hope for the country.