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By Ude Ogbonnaya Israel, Bauchi
The Igbo community in Bauchi State has demanded that senior residents among them be recognised and treated as indigenes.
The Vice President General of the community, Dr. Okolo Chris, made this demand on Thursday during a courtesy call on Emir of Bauchi.
Dr. Okolo said those that have lived in Bauchi for very long time deserve such recognition in order to fully unlock their innovative potential to the development of the state.
Making case for the need to be given due recognition, he said, “Without any contradiction, I want to say that there is no tribe in Nigeria that believes in the unity and development of Nigeria more than the Igbos.
“This is why an Igbo man will leave his homeland, come to another place far from home and build houses, establish booming business, be employers of labour and boost the economic development of a place”, he added.
The Vice President General of the community lamented that as important as Igbo tribe is, they are yet to have audience with the Governor calling on the Emir to influence this recognition.
In his reaction, the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Dr. Rilwanu Suleiman tasked the Igbo community in the state to continue to contribute their own quota in pursuing development and peaceful coexistence in the state.
Dr. Suleiman who recognised Igbo people as industrious and giant developers wherever they reside submitted that they deserve to be duly acknowledged in different dimensions.
The Emir who appreciated the visit said he is a respecter of culture and have noticed the community have deep cultural heritage and have come to identify with the Palace.
Earlier in his comments, the traditional leader of Igbo community in Bauchi who led them in the visit, Igwe Jude I. Umezika said they are in the Emir’s Palace to appreciate his effort in building peace in the state.
Speaking to our correspondent, the President General of the Igbo Community, High Chief Igntius Ifemenem said as the new leader of Igbos in Bauchi, he want the support and royal blessing of the Emir in the community`s quest to drive peace and development in the state.
He said the community wants the Governor to give them opportunity to join the developmental project of the state as a people laden with innovation and interested in development of Bauchi State.
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