The Nigerian Governors’ Forum on Tuesday pledged to help rebuild the Shasha Market, Ibadan, which was burnt down during the crisis that engulfed the market last week.
Governor Makinde, who led Governors Atiku Bagudu, Kebbi; Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Kano; Bello Muhammad Matawalle, Zamfara; and Abubakar Sanni Bello, Niger, to Shasha community, said his government would continue to look for avenues to restore peaceful co-existence. The governor explained that his relationship with the Arewa community through the Seriki dated back years before he became governor of the state, adding that his message to all sides is to give peace a chance.
Governor Makinde also commended the NGF for coming together to identify with the state and to show solidarity with his efforts to unite all sides. The governor equally urged the promoters of fake news to desist from spreading falsehood, saying that fake news can easily stoke fires in society. While speaking on behalf of the Nigeria Governors' Forum shortly after the inspection, Kebbi State governor, Atiku Bagadu, explained that the motive of the governors' visit was to commiserate with the government and the people of the state on the unfortunate incident that led to the destruction of properties in the state.
The Kebbi governor added the Nigerian Governor's Forum will assist the state government in rebuilding the market and providing palliatives for the victims, saying:"We were well received by our host, Governor Makinde, who briefed us about what happened. And, today, he has taken us to Shasha market. On our way, we had a stop-over at Bodija market and we are pleased that we saw Nigerians of different tribes at the market conducting activities, which is evidence of a return of normalcy.
If the main cause of the problem is not solved, they will still burn the place again no matter the renovation done. Go to the root cause.