Governors elected on the platforms of the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress on Saturday converged on Yola, the Adamawa State capital, for the unveiling of the new Margi national attire.

Margi is the ethnic group of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, with populations spread across Borno State and the Republic of Cameroon.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, described Fintiri as “a bridge builder across the River Niger,” noting that “a people without identity is a lost ethnic group.”

He said Nigerian democracy could only grow through unity across religious and ethnic lines.

“Unity bring peace and peace bring development, so it is very important that we politicians should encourage peace by doing the right and lawful thing,” he said.

Mohammed urged leaders to prioritise citizens’ welfare, adding that “democracy cannot flourish without the people.”

Also speaking, the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, commended Fintiri for what he called “wonderful work and people-oriented projects,” urging Adamawa residents to support the governor beyond party lines.

He expressed confidence that Nigeria’s democracy would grow “with the right leaders in position of authority.”

The Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, represented by his deputy, Umar Kadafur, said unity and peace must guide Nigerian leaders for development and job creation to thrive. He called on Nigerians “to unite and fight the outside enemy,” and urged Fintiri to sustain his leadership style of uniting the people of the state.

In his remarks, Fintiri said, “people without memory are people without meaning.”

“We come together today to honour our roots to remember who we are and what we must never forget. The Margi people have endured not because we are many but because we are United. Our faith is strong our dignity firm, and our hearts are loyal to peace,” he said.

He added that peace must be accompanied by opportunity.

“Today we unveil a new national atire, simple, beautiful, symbolic. But more than a garment, it is a declaration that culture is not fashioned, and tradition is not weakness,” he stated.

Other dignitaries at the event included Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas, PDP National Chairman Saminu Turaki, and other top party chieftains. (The PUNCH)