People of different political backgrounds not enemies- Hawa

Accra, March 9, GNA - The Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Madam Hawa Yakubu, has reiterated that people of different political traditions should not consider each other as enemies.

Madam Yakubu said this when she spoke to journalists at the Kotoka International airport on her return from a two-day National Peace Seminar in Abuja, Nigeria.

President Olusegun Obansanjo addressed the seminar, which brought together all Nigerian former Heads of State, representatives of all political parties in Nigeria, Governors of State, non-governmental organisations and the Nigerian Vice President.

The meeting was held against the background of political tension in that country and the need for all stakeholders in democracy in Nigeria to work together to ensure the sustenance of constitutional rule in that country.

Madam Hawa Yakubu who is also the Chairperson on Transport and Communication of the ECOWAS Parliament, said the ECOWAS representatives at the meeting suggested that such forum be replicated in other West African countries.

She said participants especially the former heads of state and members of political parties openly discussed peace and stability in Nigeria and acknowledged that unity from diversity was a necessary tool for nation building.

Madam Yakubu who was also honoured as a peace envoy, noted that the West African sub-region should not be allowed to degenerate into anarchy and retard her socio-economic development. Nana Oyetia I, Adehyehemaa of Ahantem Daaman in the Eastern Region, accompanied Madam Yakubu.