By: Joy Odor/Kaduna
The Group Managing Director (GMD), Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Baru has described late Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa as an embodiment of unity and called for unity amongst Nigerians especially the Northerners.
Dr. Baru who made the call in his speech at the book launch on the Life and Time of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa written in Hausa by Danlami Baban Takko in Kaduna on Monday appeal on Nigerians especially the people of North to emulate Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa’s peace efforts.
Represented by the Executive Director Services (EDS), Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC), Dr Abdullahi Idris, the GMD enjoined Nigerians especially the youth to give their all to the service of the nation, saying Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa gave his blood to the service of the nation for the unity of the country.
“This book is been launched the same day our great leader was assassinated. Let me appeal to all Nigerians especially Northerners to unite at this trying time,” Baru said.
He commended the writer of the book and the family of Tafawa Balewa for reminding Nigerians about the peace efforts and achievement of the late sage, adding that with unity, Nigeria will move forward.
“He is the first and the only prime minister of this nation. He is one of the most respected founding fathers of this great nation and it is not surprising that we witness the gathering of many establishments here,” Baru added.
In his contribution during an interview with newsmen shortly after the event, the Executive Director Services (EDS), Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC), Dr Abdullahi Idris observed that the book is first of its kind that was written on the days and life of Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Belewa.
“You recall today is 15th of January, 52 years of his assassination in the 1st military coup in Nigeria in 1966 alongside with the former Prime Minister of Northern Nigeria Alhaji Sir Saudauna of Sokoto.
“We are talking about a National icon, the 1st and only Prime Minister of Northern Nigeria, he was one of the people that fought and secured independent for Nigerian, he is a founding father, he laid the foundation, development and take off of the nation called Nigeria.
“The life of Sir Tafawa Belewa is exemplary, talking about the honesty, integrity, dedication to duty, the patriotism and the nationalism that he exhibited are all things that are required today and we really need to emulate his life.
“And Nigeria at this time needs these people more than ever before” he stressed.
Speaking on the progress of the surveillance hoarding of fuel by filling stations, Dr. Abduallahi Idris said it is a working progress and promised that the Company will do everything to ensure that they supply fuel products and distribute them to the outlets or the ultimate benefits or the ordinary Nigerians.
According to him, any liter or drum of petroleum products that is brought into Kaduna, KRPC with the collaboration of security agencies, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and the NNPC will ensure that it is being delivered where it supposed to and dispense at the appropriate price.
“Some people are behind the scene and trying to profit in their own way, but we will continue to do what we are supposed to do and ensure enforcement is intensified on the issue”.
Speaking on behalf of the Tafawa Balelwa’s family, one of the late sage’s grandchildren, Hajara Yakubu Wanka, expressed dismay over the poor turnout of people especially on such occasion.
Over 10 million naira was realized at the launching of the book.
