Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi says political elites are united and do not exchange blows as he urges Nigerians to eschew violence and promote peace. 

“I do not think you have ever seen our leaders exchanging blows during our meetings. We, as elites, are united,” claimed the governor. “Some only create the fights for you, and you fight yourselves. God forbid, I will not belong to that.”

Mr Bello made the call on Wednesday in Abuja when he received members of the Ex-Agitators Forum from the Niger Delta on a solidarity visit to him for his achievements in security and unity in Kogi.

He said Nigeria could only be fixed if everybody, irrespective of ethnic origin, religious and political views, came together.

He also urged youths to resist being used in perpetrating criminal activities, especially by those who do not have the interest of Nigeria but to stand up to become part of the leadership process at all levels.

“Let us come together as Nigerians, whether you are from Niger-Delta, whether you are from East, North, West, South, or not, let us come together,” Mr Bello advised.

He further stated, “Enough of this divide and rule, enough of this ethnic sentiment, enough of these religious sentiments.

“The time has come to produce the next leaders across the board; leadership at top levels comprising of all these ethnic groups and religions.”

He urged the Nigerian youths to be wary of selfish politicians, “who do not have the interest of Nigeria at heart to use these sentiments to divide us and take our resources away, and crumbs are thrown at us.”

“Nigeria is blessed; all it takes is good leadership to harness these blessings,” said the governor.

Mr Bello added that the Kogi strategy would bring the desired change and solution to the country’s challenges if copied across the board.