A pan-Nigeria youth group, I belong to One Nigeria Initiative has
commended Acting President Yemi Osinbajo for opening set of meetings with
northern and south eastern leaders, aimed at calming the tension being
generated by the October 1 forceful eviction order handed to the Igbo
speaking people of Nigeria by some northern youth groups and find ways of
putting an end to the continued agitations in the country.
The group insisted that Nigeria at this time has no option to
restructuring, arguing that the only solution to perceived injustices in
the country, which is fuelling several agitations in the country is true
fiscal federalism in line with the recommendation of the 2014 National
Conference.
According to the Convener and Executive Coordinator of the group, Comrade
James Ezema while reacting to the aftermath of the quit order, “unless the
current self-determination agitations, and the eviction order dimension to
the already complicated threat to Nigeria’s unity, are not handled with
uttermost patriotism, the tale will be bitter for the country”.
He maintained that “the opening set of meetings with northern and south
eastern leaders by Acting President Yemi Osinbjo is a step in the right
direction.
“We, in the I Belong to One Nigeria Initiative, have been working with
selected civil society groups and individuals that have interest in the
preservation of our unity in an atmosphere of peaceful coexistence by all
tribes and tongues.
“However, the deafening threat to Nigeria’s oneness requires higher level
of patriotic ventures to avoid impending disintegration of the country.
“When Nigeria’s dismemberment in 2015 was predicted, we took it seriously
and today strong forces across the country are working to cause
disaffection among the people of Nigeria. These forces demand unselfish
efforts and sincere approach by all Nigerians to neutralise.
“Therefore, the parley with leaders across the country as part of efforts
to sustain the peace in Nigeria is a welcome development.
“However, the government must move a step further by fully implementing
the recommendations of 2014 National Conference, which has the master key
to Nigeria’s unity question, and ensure the country is restructured as
recommended by the Confab for continued oneness of the country”, he
observed.
“Today, the country is more divided than ever, and we must not at this
time jettison the increasing call for restructuring of the country. That
is the only visible path to national integration and development.
“At this point in our national existence, we don’t seem to have an option
anymore, except to restructure the country”, the group noted.