The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Arewa youths

  • Arewa youths: don’t politicise national security

    Arewa youths: don’t politicise national security

    Arewa Youth Assembly has restated its support and confidence in Nigeria’s Security chiefs, cautioning against attempts to politicise national security.

    The group’s Publicity Secretary, Aliyu Muhammad, said the intervention followed ‘‘serial blackmail’’ by certain unpatriotic people to discredit the security leadership for personal and financial gain.

    Muhammad urged Nigerians to disregard such calls, stressing any change in the country’s security architecture would disrupt counter-terrorism and anti-banditry efforts.

    “Our nation’s security should not be politicised. A change in the security architecture would be a reckless mistake that will interrupt stability and continuity in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and insurgency,” he said.

    The assembly noted ‘‘significant achievements’’ under the Service chiefs, including: counter-insurgency gains in Northeast, with the elimination of key Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders.

    Read Also: Meet Adamawa-born comedian Mktechnic doing wonders on social media

    Others are degradation of bandit enclaves in Zamfara, Kaduna and Niger, resulting in neutralisation of hundreds of criminals and improved maritime security, with reduced crude oil theft through advanced surveillance and patrols in Niger Delta.

    The group said these gains demonstrated the “renewed vigour and strategic focus” of the military in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Muhammad called on Nigerians to support the agencies rather than undermine them.

    “Our collective responsibility must be to encourage these gallant Security chiefs, who have continuously sacrificed their comfort and lives for the peace and security we are enjoying. We should be focused on sustaining their success and ensuring adequate funding,” he added.

    The Arewa Youth Assembly further urged citizens to remain patriotic, shun partisan politics, and assist in the fight against terrorism and other criminal activities threatening national stability.

  • Arewa Youths commends Sen. Buba’s peace-building approach

    The Arewa Progressive Youth Forum (APYF) has praised Senator Shehu Umar Buba, Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, for his peace-driven approach to tackling insecurity, describing him as a rare voice of reason in Nigeria’s security landscape.

    In a statement signed by its President, Mallam Yusuf Adamu, and Secretary, Kabir Faskari, the group lauded the senator’s fearless leadership and unconventional courage in promoting dialogue, economic empowerment, and community reconciliation alongside military efforts.

    The APYF noted that unlike many leaders who advocate for more weapons and troops, Buba has consistently argued that banditry and insurgency cannot be defeated by force alone.

    According to the forum, true peace can only be achieved by addressing poverty, grievances, and deep-rooted social divisions that fuel violence.

    The group further highlighted that Buba’s approach has already produced results in conflict-prone areas, where dialogue between farmers and herders has reduced clashes, restored markets, and rebuilt trust among communities.

    Read Also: Traffic diversion begins as Ogudu-Ifako bridge repair enters phase two

    “Local surveillance networks established under his watch now supply intelligence to security agencies, making communities partners in peace rather than perpetual victims of violence.

    “He is not soft; he is strategic, the statement read. Senator Buba understands that peace is not declared at the end of a gun barrel it is built through trust, fairness, and shared prosperity.”

    The forum also dismissed recent allegations linking Senator Buba to bandit kingpin Bello Turji as baseless and politically motivated. 

    It argued that history has shown peace processes often require engaging with those at the centre of conflict, citing South Africa’s negotiations with the ANC and Nigeria’s Niger Delta amnesty programme as examples.

    “Engagement is not endorsement, APYF stressed. It is about opening a pathway for disarmament and reconciliation. Those attacking Senator Buba for his approach are either ignorant of history or driven by political mischief.

    “The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria has also defended the Senator, while grassroots organisations have pointed to his developmental projects from boreholes and electrification to rural roads and agricultural support as proof of his commitment to making violence unattractive.

    “Observers believe the allegations are timed to weaken Senator Buba’s growing influence in shaping Nigeria’s security policy.”

    APYF however warned that such attacks are not just an attempt to discredit one man but also a sabotage of Nigeria’s best chance at lasting peace.

    “Senator Buba represents a new kind of Nigerian leader. He is tough when required, conciliatory when possible, and unafraid to take unpopular decisions if they bring us closer to peace. Silencing such leaders is a disservice to the nation.

    “Security analysts agree that Nigeria’s complex conflicts require both kinetic and non-kinetic responses. Senator Buba’s model blending dialogue with decisive force offers a middle ground that could transform restive communities into active defenders of peace.

    “The Senator’s vision is not about choosing between talking or fighting. It is about doing both wisely. In a country that has lost too much to violence, that balance is not just good politics it is the only path to a future worth fighting for.”

  • Arewa youths hail Tinubu over Danfulani’s appointment as NAIC boss

    Arewa youths hail Tinubu over Danfulani’s appointment as NAIC boss

    The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Dr. Yazid Shehu Danfulani as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC).

    In a statement by its President General, Yerima Shettima, the AYCF described the appointment as a significant step towards fostering agricultural innovation and resilience in Nigeria, saying it is a positive move towards youth inclusion in governance.

    According to the group, Dr. Danfulani’s youthful energy and exceptional leadership qualities make him an ideal fit for this crucial role.

    The AYCF added that his track record of excellence and commitment to agricultural development demonstrates his understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the sector.

    Read Also: Nigeria, Ghana, others launch single African Air market

    The AYCF expressed optimism that Dr. Danfulani’s leadership will propel the agricultural sector forward and contribute to the development of a resilient and sustainable agricultural landscape that benefits all Nigerians.

    The forum, therefore, pledged to support Dr. Danfulani in his endeavors to promote agricultural innovation and resilience.

    “As a Forum, we extend our best wishes to Dr. Danfulani as he embarks on this important journey. We recognise that the road ahead may be fraught with challenges, but we are confident that his dedication and expertise will yield positive outcomes for the agricultural community in Nigeria.

  • Arewa youths criticise Muhammed over Rivers PDP crisis

    Arewa youths criticise Muhammed over Rivers PDP crisis

    The Arewa Youths for Peaceful Coexistence has condemned Bauchi State governor, Bala Muhammed, over his alleged interference in the political crisis in the Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    In a statement issued by its National Chairman, Haruna Bature, the group accused Gov. Muhammed of orchestrating a gang-up against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike and the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Amb. Illya Damagun.

    They criticised Muhammed’s efforts to support Rivers State governor, Sim Fubara, in taking control of the state’s PDP structure, which they described as an overreach.

    Read Also: Nigerians mystified by economic crisis

    The youths questioned Muhammed’s basis for getting involved in Rivers PDP matters and warned that his actions could create political unrest.

    They also accused him of trying to remove Amb. Damagun from his position, suggesting that the move was politically motivated to pave the way for Muhammed or former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s potential 2027 presidential candidacies.

    The group called on Governor Muhammed to cease his interference in the Rivers State PDP affairs and respect political boundaries.

  • Arewa youths protest, demand supply of crude to Dangote Refinery 

    Arewa youths protest, demand supply of crude to Dangote Refinery 

    Youths under the aegis of the Arewa Youth Congress of Nigeria (AYCN) took to the streets of Jos on Wednesday and demanded that domestic crude be supplied to Dangote Refinery.

    The protesters, who took their protest to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Jos Field Office, refining crude locally by Dangote would boost the nation’s economy.

    They carried placards with different inscriptions: anybody fighting Dangote Refinery is an enemy of Nigeria; the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) should ensure NNPC releases the crude oil due to Dangote Refinery and comply with crude supply to Dangote Refinery.

    Others were: NUPRC must comply with Section 109 of the Petroleum Industry Act; we demand that N1.7 billion worth of feedstock be given to Dangote Refinery, among others.

    AYCN Secretary, Mr Naankin Sammani, who led the protesters, said that they were on the streets to express their concern over the plight of Nigerians occasioned by the refusal to supply crude to Dangote Refinery.

    “We are here to call the attention of the key players in the oil industry to give the necessary crude supply to Dangote Refinery.

    Read Also: Protest: Arewa youths beg Tinubu not to relocate NCC-DIP from Kano

    “That the Dangote Refinery needs the encouragement of all Nigerians, especially the NUPRC.

    “NUPRC must ensure that Dangote Refinery gets sufficient crude to ameliorate the sufferings of Nigerians.

    “We are appealing to President Bola Tinubu to follow up on his directive to supply crude to Dangote in local currency,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no official of the NUPRC spoke to the protesters. (NAN)

  • Arewa youths: we’ll boycott elections if killings persist

    •Govt gets 12 weeks to end menace

    The Arewa Youth Coalition for Peace (AYCP) has threatened to mobilise people to boycott the 2019 general elections if killings and bloodshed persist in the country.

    The group also gave a 12-week ultimatum to President Muhammadu Buhari and his team to end the menace.

    At a news conference in Kaduna yesterday, group chairman Muktar Muhammad and Secretary Abdullahi Isa said they are committed to setting a wide-reaching machinery via protest, civil disobedience and other legitimate platforms towards ensuring that youths see reasons to boycott the polls or pitch tent with a candidate who will address these issues.

    They maintained that the government’s primary role is to secure life and property and “a government that cannot fulfil this fundamental constitutional obligation has no moral claim to political power talk less of seeking to remain therein.”

    Muhammad noted that “the global community will not see this election as participatory if the over 87 million youths don’t cast their ballot.”

    He said: “All the service chiefs, including the IG, should be relieved of their duties and replaced with competent hands that the president would support to do their job towards ensuring restoring the sacredness and sanctity of human life.

    “The police must be adequately equipped and trained on covert counter-terrorism techniques.

    “Recent protest by some policemen in Borno State, following unpaid salary arrears, constitutes a national embarrassment, and must be resolved within the next week.

    “We find it unacceptable that following the recent Plateau killings, the President only held a brief discussion with interest groups in the state house, without visiting the scenes to make a true assessment of situations.

    “We are disappointed and concerned that one of the components of the tripod upon which the president rode to power in 2015, the security of life and property, have become grossly and ineptly managed to the extent that killer herdsmen, bandits and blood-thirsty invaders go on killing sprees…”

     

  • Obasanjo’s coalition selfish agenda—Arewa youths, Clark, others

    Obasanjo’s coalition selfish agenda—Arewa youths, Clark, others

    More verbal assaults came the way of former President Olusegun Obasanjo from across the country yesterday over his latest pet project, the Coalition for Nigeria, and call on President Muhammadu Buhari to reject seeking re-election next year.

    Ijaw National Leader and convener of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Clark, warned Nigerians against heeding Obasanjo’s advice because “he is a major cause of Nigeria’s leadership crisis.”

    The immediate past governor of Edo State,Mr.Adams Oshiomhole,asked Obasanjo to allow Buhari make his own decision and reminded the former president that he (Obasanjo) is  not one of Buhari’s advisers,while influential Itsekiri leader, Sir Amorighoye S.Mene, dismissed the new movement as another gimmick by the former president to hijack the narrative of the country.

    The Arewa Youth Assembly said Obasanjo should leave Nigerians alone to “decide who governs us’.

    But,the former president has a supporter in the Secretary General of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Mr. Anthony Sani,  who said the idea of the Coalition for Nigeria is far better than resort to violence or agitation for split by some Nigerians.

    Chief Clark told The Nation by the phone that the generality of Nigerians should not take what he called Obasanjo’s bait.

    The  way out of Nigeria’s leadership problem, according to Clark, is not going on massage Obasanjo’s ego.

    He said:”While we accept part of Obasanjo’s message, as far as it concerns the state of the nation, one won’t accept Obasanjo, the messenger, because it’s all pretence.

    “For him to say he’s going to champion the movement, he’s a failure already.

    “There’s nothing Obasanjo has to offer to Nigerians. He was the president of this country for eight years.

    “He was military head of state for about three  years. As a civilian president, he created corruption in Nigeria; he legalised corruption in Nigeria.

    “He’s just pretending. I wonder how Obasanjo would help with the new leadership. Nigerians should not follow him.

    “Who are they deceiving in Nigeria?

    “Let the message be a lesson for the APC, PDP and other Nigerians.

    “There are many other parties in Nigeria. We have over 68 parties in Nigeria. We don’t need any political force or a new party championed by Obasanjo.

    “It’s a deceit; it’s an insult to the people of Nigeria.”

    Also speaking, Sir Amorighoye, Secretary of the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought (ILoT), said: “The idea is to adopt an existing party which is Obasanjo’s specialty; go to a party and impose himself on the party.

    “It is not an answer to Nigeria’s leadership crisis. The permanent answer to our leadership crisis is restructuring. We need to go back to the foundation; we need to address the lies.”

    In its own reaction, the Arewa Youths Assembly in a statement signed by its Speaker, Mohammed Salihu, alleged that Nigeria’s democracy ,under Obasanjo between 1999 and 2007,was almost derailed because of his leadership style.

    The Arewa youths said:”In 2006 towards 2007, the powerful OBJ not satisfied with the eight-year tenure mandate given to him by Nigerians, decided to manipulate the constitution to pave the way for yet another term called Third Term.

    “Thank God  for notable Nigerians who resisted the plan and rendered it toothless. Since that time till date, even after handing over power to the late President Shehu Yar’Adua, OBJ has refused to lie  low as being demonstrated by his predecessors and others.

    “The Northern part of Nigeria which overwhelmingly supported OBJ despite his rejection by his Southwest home, later became the worst hit. The North was set against the North. Tribalism, religious sentiments, political hatred as a result of divide and rule principle became glaring. The North became divided against itself, all due to his selfish need to control political power in Nigeria.”

    However, the Secretary General of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Mr. Anthony N.  Sani, described the emergence of the Coalition for Nigeria as democracy in action.

    He said: “While there may be national consensus on problems of a nation, there is often no similar national consensus on methods of solution.

    “And that is why multiparty democracy allows political parties to present distinct methods of solving the national problems as contained in the party manifestos which are used to canvass for the needed mandate for implementation.

    “Those who disagree with the approaches and style of sitting governments are at liberty to join a party of their choice or form a party of their choice and campaign for electoral mandate instead of resorting to violence or ways to split the country.

    “We have seen the feats by some young men in France and Australia who worked hard by mobilizing the citizens and won the elections to become presidents. They never allowed frustrations from the challenges of living to becloud their judgements and resorted to violence.

    “If the Coalition for Nigeria would provide a viable alternative platform, so be it. That is democracy in action. After all, democracy without a viable opposition is a sham.”

    “If the Coalition for Nigeria will bring about the needed cultural renaissance into the polity, it will be a welcome idea. But whether the former president has what it takes to bring about such cultural renaissance in the polity is yet to be seen.”

    Mr. Oshiomhole, emerging from a meeting with Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday pledged his support for a second term for the president.

    He said: “I came to wish the President a happy new year and appreciate him for his leadership of the country. As an APC activist and loyalist, I’m to reassure him of my absolute and total support for his government and even for 2019.” He added: “Everything taken into account, I believe that every Nigerian who wants us to sustain some of the renewed vigour to deal with one of the most challenging problems that Nigeria has faced, namely corruption and things like that, you cannot but appreciate the president and all that has been done under his leadership this past two years and some months.”

    Asked if he was suggesting that  Buhari should not heed Obasanjo’s advice on next year’s election, Oshiomhole said: “I’m not sure when I see the list of the advisers that  Obasanjo is one of the advisers.

    “But I also recall with respect that the day Obasanjo was swearing  in some of his advisers, he did say that anybody who was his adviser could advise him, he would make his own decisions. And I think that principle still stands.”

    Calabar-based lawyer and Public Affairs Analyst, Leonard Anyogo,  is all for the coalition,saying: “It is a welcome development as our constitutional democracy allows for freedom of association and lawful aspirations.”

  • Call for break-up: Northern elders, ACF, Arewa youths, disown Ango Abdullahi

    Call for break-up: Northern elders, ACF, Arewa youths, disown Ango Abdullahi

    The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), leader of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Dr. Paul Unongo,  and the Arewa  Youths Consultative Forum  are not on the same page with Northern Elders Forum  (NEF) chieftain,Professor Ango Abdullahi, on his position that Nigerians should “go our separate ways.”

    The former vice chancellor of the Ahmadu Bello University,Zaria,has also came under attack from the youth wing of Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, which called his view “very, very unfortunate and unexpected from a man of his caliber.”

    Abdullahi, speaking on Wednesday at a public debate in Kaduna had said  the best option for the country was a return to 1914 or 1960 or  what he called “let us go our separate ways.”

    “If on the other hand we give credit to the British and our founding fathers (and they deserve credit), and we cannot contain restructuring based on what existed in 1914, we should go back to 1960 when the country operated regions. The north is not afraid of getting our north back,” he said  at the forum “The North and the Future of Nigerian Federation”, organized by the Arewa Research and Development Project, in collaboration with Sir Ahmadu Bello Foundation; the Northern Elders Forum; Arewa Consultative Forum; Code Group; Northern Delegates Forum; Arewa Reawakening; Jamiyar Matan Arewa and Forum for Northern Youths Organizations.

    Asked yesterday to respond to Abdullahi’s  view,the ACF Secretary General Mr. Anthony Sani said Abdullahi was on his own on.

    He said: “Prof Ango Abdullahi has the right to air his view, but he is on his own on this matter of public importance.

    “As far as we are concerned, the certain benefits of a big and united one Nigeria are more than the uncertain gains of split.

    “It is therefore defeatist to allow our temporary challenges to redefine our cherished common destiny and set our collective agenda.

    “Nigerians must know that in mechanism of community living, victory and defeat are never final. Our current challenges are not beyond redemption.”

    Dr. Unongo who heads  the NEF of which Abdullahi is a prominent member,said that the 1914 amalgamation of Nigeria by Lord Frederick Lugard was not a mistake.

     

    The Second Republic Minister of Steel Development said by phone that though  he supports devolution of power to the states, he is totally against any move to break  up Nigeria.

    His words: “Professor Ango Abdullahi has spoken for himself and he has a right to do so. But, going our separate ways is not the best for this country.

    “That we have challenges does not mean that we have not done well in so many other areas.

    “Nigeria has done very well as a nation state. The amalgamation of Nigeria by Lord Lugard is not a mistake, because we have come this far as a united country. But, the agitation by the youths and other groups is that  we ought to have done better, which the truth.

    “Mind you, this situation is like the car we use.There are times we need to change worn-out nuts and others like that. So, the most sensible way of addressing this situation is to address our challenges as a nation.

    “So, we should not split this country. Yes, I support devolution of certain power to the states. Let them be given power and resources to develop the states and same to the local governments.

    “What I will not support is allowing state police. States should not be allowed to form their own army, because states will go to war against each other.”

    The  national president of the AYCF, Comrade Shettimma Yerima, said the disintegration of the country would do no good to Nigerians and would amount to suicide.

    He said: “We respect Professor Ango Abdullahi and he might have his reasons for saying this.

    “That is his own opinion and that how he sees it.

    “ He saw yesterday but for us who are for today, we really don’t want to reflect on the past because it nothing to write home about. We are looking for how we can build a nation, how we can work together to make Nigeria stronger.

    “I don’t agree with him that Nigeria should disintegrate. We have more to lose now if the country disintegrates.

    “I am of the view that whatever the grudges are, we must know that all hope is not lost.  The  present generation (of Northerners) strongly believe that we can work together with our brothers from other parts of the country to build a nation where there will be no suspicion, where there will be equity and fairness to all.

    “That is what we are looking up to.  We are working towards building a nation where all of us will begin to see ourselves as Nigerians.

    “This is why the Arewa youths, the Ohanaeze youths and others across the country and working together to make sure peace reigns and that we have a virile nation. Disintegration will amount to total suicide.”

    The youth wing of Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, also does not share Abdullahi’s view.

    In a chat with our correspondent, the President of the OYC, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, said the statement by Abdullahi was unfortunate.

    He said:”As a youth group, we have been working with the Arewa youths and other youth groups in the country to promote peace and cordial relationship among our people.

    “Why should  Professor Abdullahi now be making such statement that is capable of heating up the polity again and causing needless confusion. We stand for a united Nigeria where equity, fairness and justice shall reign.”

    Niger Delta leaders who were also contacted  insisted on a fair, just and equitable country as opposed to the  break-up canvassed by Prof Abdullahi.

    The National Coordinator, Pan Niger Delta Peoples Congress (PNDPC), Chief Mike Loyibo, said though the Southsouth was  not afraid of a breakup, the people  had unanimously agreed that Nigeria would be better as one entity.

    He said the zone  would continue to advocate a restructured Nigeria where states would be allowed to control their resources and pay certain amount of taxes to the Federal Government.

    He said they were tired of the current lopsided arrangement where the region which feeds the country, remained marginalized in key security and oil and gas positions.

    He said: “Our problem is that of injustice. The constitution itself is defective and we have been long marginalized.

    “What we are simply saying is give us  true federalism where all the regions are  allowed to develop at their own pace. Allow us to control and manage our resources and we pay certain taxes to the government.

    “Nobody is afraid of breakup, after all Nigeria is a forced marriage.

    “ Our position as Niger Delta leaders is that there should be restructuring. We want a structure that will address the injustice we have.

    “ I don’t support breakup but I support one Nigeria where there will be justice, equity and every side will be allowed to develop at their own pace.

    “ Ango Abdullahi is entitled to his opinion. The other day he said it was not resource control but resource management”

    Also speaking,a former President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Mr. Udens Eradiri, said Nigeria would be stronger as a united country.

    He said the country urgently needed restructuring to ensure equity and justice adding that devolution of power will  enable states develop at their pace.

    He said: “I think Nigeria is stronger as one nation where equity and justice will prevail. It is not difficult to get justice and equity. It is just that leadership is not serious.

    “Somebody said  something that the mineral resources offshore should belong to the Federal Government while the ones onshore should belong to the state. That could also be the starting point. But the important point is that equity and justice demand that the state must get what belongs to it.

    “In any case, Nigeria is failing. States can no longer pay salaries. The federal government is taking 87 per cent of the resources after giving 13 per cent to states, but cannot sustain infrastructures. Roads are nothing to write home about even in APC states.

    “It is not about supporting an administration, it is about a system that has failed and that cannot be sustained. It is only common sense that when you are doing something for many years and it is not working, you ought  to do it differently.

    “ The most important part is that there is failure of leadership. If we have had clear-headed leadership, we won’t be where we are today.

    “Even when we will be restructuring and devolving power, the people must take control of the electoral process. That is the only way you can guarantee responsible leadership. As we are today, it is not working.”

  • National unity: Ohanaeze, Arewa youths, others set for another peace parley in Aba

    National unity: Ohanaeze, Arewa youths, others set for another peace parley in Aba

    As part of  efforts to further douse the tension caused by the agitation  for Sovereign State of Biafra by the banned separatist group, Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB), the leadership of the  Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC)and Arewa Youth Consultative Forum will  hold a peace declaration in Aba, the commercial nerve centre of Abia State before the end of October.

    The meeting which is aimed at promoting  peaceful co-existence among various ethnic groups in the country will also be attended by youth leaders of other ethnic nationalities.

    The OYC in a statement signed by the National Vice President, Comrade Obinna Achuonye,

    lauded the coalition of Northern youth groups for keeping faith with agreement reached with them after the October 1 quit notice issued to Igbo people living  in the North.

    “Since October 1, 2017, we have not received any sad news about loss of lives or properties in any part of the North.

    “We appreciate the efforts of ethnic nationality youth groups, especially the coalition of Northern groups led by the President of Arewa Consultative Youth Forum, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, for  keeping the  part of the negotiation pact reached on September 14, 2017, called  Abuja Peace Accord ‘that  no Igbo man will lose his life or business or properties in any part of 19 Northern states of Nigeria.

    “The Abuja Peace Accord, will be followed by Aba Peace Declaration, where all the ethnic nationalities’ youth groups will gather to fully support the Nigeria project.”

    The OYC also called for calm in the forthcoming Anambra governorship election slated for November 18, 2017.

    “We are aware of some desperate politicians who want to use the youths as a vehicle to get power by all means.  This will be resisted by the OYC as independent and impartial observer. It’s only a man who has the interest of the youths and the people at large that will win the election. We also call for the rehabilitation of all the dilapidated federal roads in the South East to make life more bearable for our people.”

     

  • Nigeria too old, too big to fail – Atiku

    Nigeria too old, too big to fail – Atiku

    Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar said on Sunday that the Nigeria nation was too old and too big to fail saying the option out of the present agitations in the land was to restructure the country until it comes close to a country envisaged by the nation’s founding fathers.

    In a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen in Abuja, the former Vice President said Nigerians must realized that for every Atiku to be great, it must go through struggle, pointing out that Nigeria must also go through a phase of struggle and come out from it stronger than before.

    The former Vice President commended the Coalition of Niger Delta Agitators for withdrawing their quit notice asking Northerners and south westerners in the region to vacate before October 1.

    The statement reads: “Just as I commended Arewa Youths for listening to good counsel and withdrawing the ill advised quit notice to people of Igbo origin to leave the North before October 1 or face consequences, I similarly applaud Niger Delta youths for rescinding their counter quit notice to persons of Northern and Southwestern descent to quit the South South region.

    “This news could not have come at a better time as when Nigeria defeated Cameroon 4-0. The Super Eagles scored four goals and none of those goals were scored in the name of Hausa, Igbo or Yoruba or indeed under the aegis of North or South. Each and every one of those goals was resoundingly for Nigeria.

    “No one disowns a child when he or she is almost 60. Nigeria is too old and too big to fail. Instead of divisions, what we must do is restructure our Federation till it more closely resemble the almost perfect union that our Founding Fathers chiseled together at the various pre Independence conferences.

    “There is enough in Nigeria for everyone’s need and to meet every bloc’s aspirations. What we need is not uniformity but harmony. Just like an orchestra, we may all sing differently, but when our voices are blended together, they give off a richer more melodious symphony than would ever have been possible if we were to sing individually.

    “I urge all Nigerians to be hopeful. To be great, every nation must go through struggle. To paraphrase Winston Churchill, if you are going through struggles, keep going. We will go through and emerge better than before. This is my promise to Nigeria.”