Igbo Crisis: Sokoto Youths Groups, Igbo Elders Chat One United Nigeria

As more reactions continue to trail the quit notice issued to Igbos to relocate from the north region by a group of northern youths associations under the auspices of ‘Arewa Youths Association’, a coalition of youths groups and Igbo elders in Sokoto State, have vowed to stand by one, united and indivisible Nigeria.

Addressing reporters shortly after the meeting, the Special Adviser to Gov. Aminu Tambuwal on Youths Matters, Alhaji Nasiru Babata, assured the‎ Igbos that the state government would spare no efforts to safeguard the lives and property of all people resident in the state.

Their resolve for the nation’s unity came to bare yesterday‎ in Sokoto, following a joint meeting between the two groups as a result of the recent threat issued by a coalition of Arewa Youths Groups, asking the Igbos to leave the north or before October 1, 2017.

Represented by Alhaji Abubakar Dangaskiya, a Fellow of the International Republican Institute (IRI), Babata said,’’ Sokoto state will continue to be home for all Nigerians, irrespective of any religious, ethnic, political or cultural differences.

‘’ The youths groups stand for one Nigeria and the country will remain one. This is what we will continue to believe and stand for.’’

The President-General of the Igbo Community in Sokoto, Chief Charles Uwaga, as well as Ohaneze Ndi Igbo Youth Leader in the state, Mr Kelechi Obonna, also commended the acting President, Mr Yemi Osinbajo, for the steps he has so far taken to ensure sustainable
peace and unity in the nation.

‘’ The dialogue he has so far started with the northern elders and those planned with the leaders from other parts of the country are very commendable.

‘’ These efforts should be sustained and replicated across the country, while we are condemning any hate speeches or statements, by anybody, from any part of Nigeria,’’ the duo, added.

In the same vein, a member of the Nigerian Youths Parliament from the state, Sanusi Yakubu, said the meeting was to assure the Igbos resident in the state that,’’ all is well.

‘’ There is no cause for alarm here. We also want all the Northerners resident in Igboland that they should feel at home and continue with their lawful activities”, he stressed.