Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa says his administration has strengthened security not only with weapons but also with justice.
Mr Fintiri stated this at the Margi Cultural Unity Day and Civic Reception in his honour in Yola on Saturday.
He said this made the state one of the most peaceful in the North-East, despite past challenges posed by insurgency.
“We rebuilt trust between the governed and those who govern. We gave our traditional rulers their voices again, for a society that forgets its elders forgets its soul.
“Today, by the mercy of God, with a deliberately induced resilience, Adamawa stands as one of the most peaceful states in the North-East,” he said.
Mr Fintiri further called for unity and respect for one another, noting that the Margi people were known for a rich history, united by a common purpose and solidarity.
“Let me categorically state here that I am proud of this ancestral base. I am eternally grateful and proud that I am Margi in all ramifications before I am any other thing else,” he said.
In his remarks, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State congratulated the Margi people on their unity and respect for one another.
He described Mr Fintiri as the man who builds social strata across Nigeria and beyond.
“He brings opinions and, of course, initiatives that can be actualised and can be made tangible and touchable.
“Today, I will say without being shy that whatever we do in Bauchi, I used to copy right from him,” he said.
In their separate remarks, Damin Mamza, former chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and Gambo Jika, chairman of the Muslim Council, Adamawa, congratulated Mr Fintiri and the Margi people on the occasion.
They called for peace and unity, irrespective of any differences, for the development of the state.
The event also featured the unveiling of a new Margi national attire.
(NAN)