By Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku of Taraba state has appealed to President Mohammadu Buhari to remain committed to the resolution of the lingering Insecurity in the country.
The Governor who spoke through his Deputy, Haruna Many in his message to the people of the state on the occasion of 60th Independence Anniversary Cheers the people, saying ” Happy Independence Day to all of you today.
“We are all gathered here to celebrate the 60 Independence Day of our beloved nation, Nigeria.”
“We celebrate this day with lots of enthusiasm and joy every year because our country got freedom on this day in 1960, from the British Colonial exploitation domination and subjugation.
“We must acknowledge the roles of Sir Anthony Enahoro, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Sir Ahmadu Bello the Sardauna of Sokoto, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe and a host of others not mentioned here.
He encouraged Tarabans to emulate the spirit of selfless service and sacrifice as exemplified by these nationalist.
According to him, the day is a moment for sober, reflection, a time for people to take stock and re-evaluate performance of their state and country.
“We are facing many issues today, like insecurity, ethnic disharmony, religious intolerance, youth unemployment, poverty, Covid-19 Pandemic and underdevelopment of Our rural areas and many more. We must however, realize that we have long history of inter-communal affiliations and friendship across ethnic and religious lives.
He disclosed that the state has many good things to celebrate in the area of agriculture, education, health, infrastructure, tourisms and a young thriving population that is the future of our state.
He said government is aware of problems and that it is on top of the situation.
“We must be united as brothers and sisters irrespective of our political and religious differences to move our dear state forward and create the oppoturnity(ies) for all of us to participate and contribute our quota for the overall good of the state.
He said Government is doing everything possible to bring to an end the crisis between the Tiv and Jukun in the state as well as other crises, as soon as possible.
“I want to use this medium to appeal to PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI to remain committed to the resolution of the lingering insecurity in the country.
“I want to use this occasion to urge us to eschew all forms of social evils and embrace peace so that our state will move forward.
Earlier, the Commissioner, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Ibrahim Imam, congratulated Tarabans and Nigerians on the day.
“I want to remind Tarabans and Nigerians to see the day as a day of sober reflection, stock taking, promote and protect the good name of Nigeria at all times irrespective of geographical location, Tribes or Religion”.
The ceremony featured the cutting of Anniversary cake by the Deputy Governor.
In a similar development, Governor Ishaku on Thursday, granted pardon to eigh6t inmates of two correctional facilities in the state, using his prerogative of mercy power. The granted the amnesty to mark Nigeria’s 60th Independence Day celebration.
The year-long Diamond independence celebration kicked, nationwide, Thursday, October 1, 2020, and would end on September 22, 2021.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Governor Ishaku, Mr. Iliya Bekyu Akweh, said the inmates were serving various terms of imprisonment at the Serti and Wukari Custodial Centers in the state.
The CPS listed those who their regained freedom from Serti Custodial Center as Humtaro Abanda,Sani Baushe,Tancy Mtseikyaa and Ali Lawan.
Those released from the Wukari Custodial Centre include Habibu Mohammed, Habilu Altine, John Lamido and John Bulus.
The statement added that the pardon granted the prisoners by the Governor is in pursuant to powers conferred on him by section two hundred and twelve sub section one C of the Constitution of Nigeria Nineteen ninety nine.
Authorities of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Serti Satellite Custodial Center, and Wukari Custodial Center, were directed to give immediate effect to the order and discharge the of affected persons.
Nasarawa Reporters 