By; MOHAMMED KAWU, Bauchi
Youth in Mwari town of Bogoro Local Government Area in Bauchi State have faulted the complaint written to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baba Alkali by former NASS Speaker, Yakubu Dogara that the planned reception in honour of Zaar Sage, Peter Baba Gonto scheduled for Friday, December 31 in Bogoro be on hold to forestall breach of peace in the area.
They said, “We on our behalf and the entire people of Mwari support the reception in honour of our grandfather, late Baba Peter Gonto. We interact closely with youth within our neighborhoods, there is unanimity that the reception should go on as planned peacefully”.
The youth in the text of press briefing on Monday signed by 49 youth leaders, described late Peter Gonto as a political leader, devoted religious leader, pacesetter in Sayawa land whose ideals were to propagate the message of peace and unity amongst his people.
Dogara had in a letter of complaint to the IGP which copies were making rounds in social media, alleged that unless the planned reception in honour of Pa Peter Gonto is put on hold, there may be a serious breach of peace in the event.
He explained in the said letter that he had worked hard to restore peace to the area, and he is so concerned about any activity that is to reverse the peace being enjoyed in Bogoro Local Government Area and its environs.
According to the youths, however, no amount of honour to be given to Gonto will be too much for him, stressing that late Peter Gonto was a father to every Zaar man, saying “He was an architect of unity among the Zaar people, and beacon of hope and light”.
Youth further explained that they were surprised if any Zaar man would have the courage and audacity to oppose a reception in honour of the Sayawa Legend, moreso, that Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara who is an In-law to Mwari would want to oppose a reception in honour of this great man.
They stated, “The intention of the convener of this great event is to foster unity in and around the Zaar nation, to show case the past achievements of late Baba Gonto to the upcoming youths for them to emulate. It is not meant to pursue selfish interests as certain group of persons would want the World to believe”.
Th briefing which was led by Pastor Isuwa Samaila further explained that the project is not only meant to sensitize the youth on the need for peaceful and harmonious co-existence, but also to institute a foundation in late Sage’s name which is meant to assist Sayawa indigenes in pursuit of their various callings.
They concluded, “We would like to state in a clear and loud voice that we the youths in Mwari are in support of the event and actively in all the reception activities, and no one should deceive the World that we are not in its support”.
