…Urge North, South-east leaders to caution youths
By Onyedika Agbedo
Former state governors in the country under the aegis of Forum of Former Governors (Class of 99) have condemned agitations for the break-up of the country and reaffirmed their belief in the continued existence of Nigeria as one indissoluble entity.
In a statement yesterday, which was signed by Chief Lucky Igbinedion, Chairman; Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Secretary; and Dr. Orji Kalu, Publicity Secretary; former governors of Edo, Ekiti and Abia State respectively, the forum called on the governors of the South-east states to engage the disenchanted youths in their states with a view to diffusing tension.
The Forum also urged the current Governors Forum to meet and caution both the agitators in the South-east and the reactors in the North and call for decorum.
Noting that no sacrifice is too much to make to avert chaos, prevent any further incidence of criminality, protect human lives and spare the life of this country. The former governors urged elders and leaders of thought from both the South-east and the North to meet to state a common position on the issue, while recommending that traditional rulers from the two areas should also do same.
They commended the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, for the steps he has so far taken to ensure peace and order, but urged him to convene a joint meeting of the various stakeholders at which assurances would be given.
The statement read in part: “The Forum of Former Governors (Class of 99) held its regular meeting on Wednesday, July 12, 2017. The meeting was convened in an effort to add our voice and lend support to all the efforts that are being made to mellow down the rising tempo of menacing rhetoric that has occupied the public space recently. Conscious of the grave dangers that this has posed, the meeting was opened up for attendance by other past governors outside the Class of 99.
“In its deliberations, the forum expressed its appreciation to the Acting President for quickly summoning various stakeholders in an effort to contain the looming danger. In condemning both the agitators for the break-up of the country and those who reacted by issuing the quit notice, the forum affirmed its belief in the continued existence of Nigeria as one indissoluble entity and also in the inalienable right of every citizen of this country to live securely, without fear or risk of any form of molestation in whatever part of the country he chooses.
“The orum observed with concern the failure or refusal of the leaders and elders on both sides to quickly rein in their youths. It went further to emphasize the need for every effort to be made to ensure that peace and good order is maintained; that there is no incident that could trigger a violent reaction.
“The meeting fully appreciated those individuals, Group and Organization that have issued reconciliatory statements and acted in various other ways to avert danger, but felt that a lot more needs to be done.”