From Audu Joe, Lokoja
Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state has warned citizenry to be wary of those who are clamouring for restructuring of the country whose intentions are largely for selfish interests.
He added that the almagamation of the country in 1914 has come to stay , except, only when the two most important rivers in the country -Rivers Benue and Niger are able to be separated.
The governor gave the warning Saturday at the wedding solemnisation of James Otowo and Dorcas Matthew Kolawole, daughter of the speaker of the state House of Assembly held at Christ Apostolic Church Lokoja, DCC.
Bello who pointed out that the wedding was significant because it is between two different ethnic tribes and states which exemplified unity, called on Nigerian elite to utilise the diversity for the growth and unity of the country.
He explained that although the country is passing through lots of challenges which he said are man made , said it is better to pull through as one indivisible entity rather than calling for the disintegration of the country.
He attributed the insecurity ravaging the country to misunderstanding among the people which he noted could be resolved and called for a concerted effort to salvage the country .
He described the agitators of restructuring as being under an illusion stressing that Nigeria will continue to be an indivisible entity .
Bello who used the occasion to educate Nigerians on the importance of inter tribal marriages which he assured has the potential of bridging unity and understanding among the people.
According to him” The couple have gone through the school of marriage. The lessons learnt in this school if properly guided will engender sustainable growth and development of the Union.
* The bride has emulated her parents who were from different tribes but have agreed to live as husband and wife and I’m confident that this marriage will be successful because their parents have done well in marriage.
” The significant of this marriage between James and Dorcas is unity. It is what the bride’s father Matthew kolawole a Yoruba man and his wife an Ebira woman did by hooking to each other and in like manner their daughter is being hooked to her heartrob an Idoma man from Benue state.
” All I can say is that the marriage will succeed having meticulously listened to fruitful advices from parents and well wishers. And it is my wish that they should remain faithful to each other,just as I wish Nigerians to be faithful to the Nation.”He Counselled.
In a remark, the father of the bride , who is the current Speaker of Kogi state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Matthew Kolawole commended the governor for his words of advice which he said if carefully adopted it will make their marriage to succeed.
He added that it was traumatic to let go a first daughter, but prayed to God to help them in the progress of their the home.
He commended his colleagues from 36 state who despite their tight schedule deemed necessary to attend the wedding and called of God Almighty for a safe return of every one who grace the occasion to their destinations.
End.
Earlier ,the District Superintendent of Christ Apostolic Church, Gadumo, Pastor Samuel Ajinihi noted that most Challenges of Marriage are surmountable via the word of God and complete trust in God.
The Clergyman who congratulated the couple admonished them to avoid third party in their affairs, stressing the need for love.
The Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Sheriff Oborevwori who spoke on behalf of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria said for Christians and Muslims to gather together to celebrate the couple shows that both religion serve the same God.
The State Deputy Governor, Chief Edward Onoja, members of Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, top Government functionaries, traditional rulers among others attended the wedding.