Governor  Babangida
Aliyu of Niger has called for the removal of indigene and non-indigene
dichotomy from the Constitution as a way of achieving national unity, cohesion
and peaceful co-existence.

Aliyu made the call when he received members of the Northern
Yoruba Community, led by its President General, Alhaji Jamiu Oguntoyinbo, at
the Government House, Minna.

“The indigene and non-indigene pattern has caused the
country more problem than what it was initially planned to achieve.

“Everybody should be free to live and work in any part of
the country notwithstanding from what part of the country that person has come
from.

“It is only those that have criminal tendencies or work
against the peace and progress of the communities they live that should be
discriminated against.

“Nigeria is meant for Nigerians; it is unfortunate that some
foreigners are recognised more than the original Nigerians just because of the
language they speak and the religion they believe in. We must forget the
settler syndrome if Nigeria is to move forward,’’ the governor said.

Aliyu noted that selfish individuals used the non-indigene
policy to exploit the poor, adding that he had directed council chairmen in the
state to accord indigene status to anyone who lived for six years in any Local
Government Area.

Commenting on the recent petition to the state assembly by
some “Concerned Citizen of Niger State’’, Aliyu said the petitioners were
sponsored by those who believed that it should be a business as usual and
government should do their bidding.

He stressed that his administration would continue to do
things positively, adding that equity, justice and fair play would continue to
be the guiding principles of his administration.

Oguntoyinbo commended the governor for appointing some
Yorubas as special assistants and advisers, urging other governors in the
country to emulate the act to entrench unity.

Ndigene Dichotomy