Biafra: Northern, Southern elders urge restraint

Some prominent elders from the northern and southern part of Nigeria have called on groups beating the “drums of war” and threatening the peaceful coexistence of the country to desist from such because it is “dangerous”.

Rising from a meeting recently in Abuja, the group, under the aegis of “Nigerian Leaders of Thought” said the meeting was called over agitations and demands for immediate resolution of present and long-standing grievances particularly from states in the South East and South South, and their implications for the security and peaceful co-existence of all Nigerians.

In a position statement signed by Maitama Sule, a first republic minister, and Ebitu Ukiwe, a former military chief of staff, the group on Wednesday said it re-discovered the deep-seated and genuine belief among most Nigerians that dialogue based on mutual respect and recognition of each other’s interdependence remains a vital national asset that needs to be re-mobilized.

The group said it equally resolved to intensify efforts towards finding lasting solutions for Nigeria’s complex search for justice and fairness in the manner communities co-exist.

“All sentiments, actions and activities that threaten the security and peaceful co-existence of Nigerians, wherever they live and work is dangerous and counterproductive.

“Every community in Nigeria has issues with the manner we co-exist; but these issues are best resolved through constructive engagements and dialogue,” the elders said.

There have been recent agitations by some youth from the South East calling for secession from Nigeria to create an independent country of Biafra.

The Nigerian government had already warned the agitators, with the Army saying it remains ready to protect the unity of the country.

Nigeria had also fought a bitter civil war in the years 1967 to 1970 over the same agitation in which about one million people died.

The leaders on Wednesday said, in the light of recent happening, it has become necessary to stop all activities that frighten most Nigerians, particularly those who are vulnerable to threats because they are isolated, or whose entire livelihood is being threatened by rhetoric of war or imminent breakdown of law and order.

“Elders and leaders should contribute to the creation of a genuine national platform that should re-visit issues that represent latent and immediate threats to our peaceful co-existence,” they said.

They also advised that all elders, leaders, religious leaders, government and the media should mobilize Nigerians towards isolating threats and working towards peaceful resolution of all grievances.

“We remain committed to sustaining our engagements, as well as involving all parts of Nigeria in a national endeavour to create a nation which has earned the right to enjoy peace and progress and the benefits of a democratic system,” they said.