TheCable

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo says Kano state is home to all Nigerians, considering its level of tolerance, irrespective of ethnicity.

Osinbajo spoke on Saturday at the coronation ceremony of Aminu Ado Bayero as the 15th Emir of Kano.

According to a statement by Laolu Akande, his spokesperson, the vice-president also noted that the state has done well in terms of promoting economic growth for the country.

“It is only the tolerance of the culture of Kano, where opposite ideas can co-exist peacefully, that you could have a thriving free market economy, with several millionaires and yet also be the base of radical left of centre political ideas,” he said.

“This is after-all the city of the socialist man of the masses, Mallam Aminu Kano and many of his disciples. Kano is also the home of the richest man in Africa, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.

“We are all proud of this city; proud of its legacy of tolerance and warmth and very proud that it indeed remains home to all and for all Nigerians, regardless of tribe and ethnicity, and the melting pot of diverse tribes and cultures assimilated into a robust, vibrant and cohesive whole.”

Osinbajo also congratulated Abdullahi Ganduje, Kano governor, for “midwifing a generational change of guards that only a few will experience in their lifetimes”.

“The swearing-in and handing over of the Staff of Office to the new Emir of Kano is in fulfillment of the extant law and practice of the installation of emirs,” he added.

Congratulating the emir on his coronation, the vice-president expressed optimism that Bayero would “exceed the reputation of your illustrious forebears”.