The Arewa community in the South-South says it has agreed to partner the Cross River government to bolster peaceful coexistence.

The chairman of the community, Musa Saidu, said on Sunday in Abuja that the northern group committed to the partnership initiative during a courtesy visit to Governor Bassey Otu.

Mr Saidu said the partnership was necessary given Mr Otu’s concern for the community to participate in his government’s activities.

“We have also agreed to mobilise all northerners residing in the South-South, especially in Cross River, to support the governor’s economic and political programmes, especially security,” he said.

According to Mr Saidu, a 10-member committee had been set up to map out an implementation strategy for the partnership.

Saidu further said that other governors should emulate the governor’s commitment towards boosting development programmes in the state.

“He believes so much in the philosophy of Nigerian unity, he preaches tolerance and accommodation among the diverse ethnic nationality,” Mr Saidu explained.

He said the community would soon develop a support scheme to empower its members, especially through skills acquisition training.

“Most of the people from the North residing in Southern Nigeria are not jobless. They operate various businesses and boast of varied skills. As such, we have to support them,” added Mr Saidu.

He said the proposed scheme required the intervention of South-South governors, particularly that of Cross River, hosting many Arewa communities.

Mr Saidu commended the Cross River governor for his recent financial support to the Arewa community and urged him to keep the spirit of brotherhood.

(NAN)