By AbdulSalam Muhammad

KANO -The South East Council of Traditional Rulers has conferred a chieftaincy title of Ochizuru Oha 1 of Igbo land (General Leader) on Kano State Governor,  Dr. Abdullahi  Umar Ganduje.

Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje

A statement by the South East Council of Traditional Rulers, signed by its administrative Secretary Uche Elekwa JP made available to newsmen in Kano weekend, said the honour was in recognition of the role he played in averting the crisis that would have befallen the nation.

The statement read in part: “This award is in recognition of the singular role you played in averting the calamity that would have befallen our dear country due to the activities of some misguided elements. We also recognize the conducive environment the igbos are enjoying in carrying out their businesses in Kano State.”.

Elekwa in the statement said “Council acknowledge  and appreciate  Ganduje’s untiring effort in resolving the dispute between the northern youths and their Igbo counterpart as result of the quit notice the Arewa Youth issued to igbos living in the northern part of the country.”

Vanguard recalled recalled that, the Arewa youths had in June issued an ultimatum they termed “Kaduna declaration” to igbos living in the north to leave before October 1st,  2017.

The quit notice raised political tension across the land culminating on a meeting and assemblage of recognized Ezes from 19 northern states including Abuja by Dr Ganduje in Kano to doused the tension.

Reacting to the development,  the state Commissioner of Information, Youth and Sport, Malam Muhammad Garba said the Governor is elated by the recognition, promising  to do more in cementing the relationship between the north and the South.

“The Governor is happy by this recognition, this award is recognizing handwork, which we appreciate and will definitely enhance national integration.”