Ethnic Agitation as Osinbajo Reveals Next Step

According to Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, the acting president of Nigeria, all ethnic groups in the country will have their legitimate agitations and concerns addressed by the government.

He also said that the government was not deaf to such genuine demands by different ethnic nationalities.

However, he advised that every demand should be made with decorum in order not to offend the letters of the nation’s constitution.

According to Vanguard, in a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on media and publicity, Laolu Akande in Abuja, he said that in order to ensure the unity of the country Prof. Osinbajo embarked on consultations with different leaders of thoughts especially from the North and South Eastern zones.

This was to discuss the attempt by the separatist group led by the leader of Indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu to seek for Biafra Republic and the ultimatum by the Northern youths for the Igbos to vacate northern states before 1st October.

The statement titled: 'Outcomes of Acting President consultations on ethnic agitations with political, religious, traditional and media leaders' said in part:

"Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has again assured Nigerians that the Buhari administration is not deaf to grievances in parts of the country, disclosing that the government will address them, while urging that such grievances be expressed with grace.

“This emerged from the Highlights of the series of consultations the Acting President called to interact with leaders from the North, Southeast and the media over the last two weeks between 13 June to 22 June 2017.”

"The meetings were convened to provide a platform for frank and open discussions between the concerned stakeholders and by extension the Nigerian public on issues relating to the unity, peace and security of country.

“The Meetings established common ground on a number of issues, as follows: Condemned all the hateful and divisive rhetoric by the concerned groups of Northern and Southeastern youths.

“Affirmed the primacy of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the ultimate basis for the unity of Nigeria. That Constitution guarantees freedom of residence and of movement for all Nigerians anywhere in the country, without fear of discrimination or prejudice.

“Affirmed the need to draw a line between the freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution and the degeneration of such expression into hateful rhetoric, prejudice and hatred.

"Under no circumstances will government condone or tolerate hate speech in any way or form. Affirmed the necessity of confronting all grievances and frustrations head-on, however uncomfortable that might seem now; instead of ignoring issues and allowing them to fester.

“Affirmed the need for all leaders and elders, regardless of political or ideological persuasion, to speak out more forcefully to counter divisive and hate speech and any form of warmongering.

“The acting president expresses appreciation to all the leaders for their time and commitment to the unity, peace and progress of the Nigerian nation. He also assures the Nigerian people of the determination and resolve of the Buhari administration to ensure their well-being and security at all times.

“The federal government will continue to actively engage with Nigerians of all shades and opinions in its bid to move the country forward on a path of socio-economic development and ultimate greatness.”

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