Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has asserted that Nigeria will never become a one-party state, emphasising that the country’s diversity makes such political domination unfeasible.
He made the comments on Saturday at a cultural event in Jimeta, Adamawa State. The event, titled ‘Civic reception: Unveiling of Margi national attire,’ was organised by the Margi tribe to celebrate their heritage and introduce a national attire for the community.
In his speech, Makinde also criticised efforts aimed at undermining political plurality in the nation.
He stated, “For the Margi nation, people think it is very easy to give honour to one of your own, but prophets are not always appreciated in their own home. This is a unique event today, and I want to congratulate the entire Margi nation.
“From the history being read, Nigeria is made up of several nations, and for those who are trying to push us toward a one-party state, this is why it will not happen.
“I congratulate my brother, Governor Finitri. I was reading through his trajectory in the programme book and saw that he got elected into the House of Assembly as Minority Leader.
“Later, he became Majority Leader. He also became Deputy Speaker and later Speaker. Today, he is the governor. So, we know what he is made of. If he is being given a chance, he will go a mile.”
ALSO READ: Kanu: Federal High Court debunks assassination attempt claims on Justice Omotosho
The event also included remarks from Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, who recently declared his plan to switch from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He explained that the decision is driven by the interests of the people of Taraba, emphasising that the cultural gathering was purely non-political.
Kefas noted, “This is an event where all Margi nations come together to look at where they are coming from, where they are, and where they will be going.
“This is not a political gathering. Governor (Ahmadu) Finitri is a true Margi son. He is a unifying factor, and I have enjoyed our neighbourhood and brotherhood.
“The only reason why we have disagreements is because I decided to move to the All Progressives Congress. But I know that at the end of the day, he will reason with me that my decision is in the interest of my people. I wish you all the best.”
It will be recalled that Kefas had on Tuesday announced a postponement of his formal defection to the APC, citing the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State as the reason for the delay.