The debate over the constitutional right of every Nigerian to live or settle anywhere in the countrycontinued last Friday with President Olusegun Obasanjo declaring that “the idea of settler and native is unhealthy and if you go back far enough, all of us could be settlers”
Speaking when a delegation of Plateau state Stakeholders Forum paid him a visit at the State House
President Obasanjo emphasized that the constitution of the federation recognizes the fundamental rights of all Nigerians to live anywhere they choose, and engage in legitimate businesses of their choice without any hindrance.
He urged Nigerians to learn from the United States of America where according to him “Societies that make progress have been accommodative”. He said that the tough decision on Plateau through the imposition of State of Emergency was to “safeguard not only the security of the state, but the unity and security of the whole country”
While commending the delegation for supporting the Sole Administrator, Gen. Chris Alli with advice and open doors, he urged them to continue because “we must ensure that what we do will last” He thanked the National Assembly for supporting the declaration of emergency rule and approving the budget, which he said has since been signed into law.
Earlier, the delegation had told the president that peace was fast returning to Plateau State, and praised the “timely declaration of the state of emergency to save the state.” Dr. Ezekiel Yusuf , former Secretary for Internal Affairs and secretary Plateau State Government read the address of the delegation. [an error occurred while processing this directive]
Email this article
