Aka Ikenga, a think tank of Igbo professionals, has called for the speedy trial and prosecution of those behind what it called the “so called coalition of Northern youths”, who ordered a significant section of Nigeria to quit their places of residence in a certain part of the country.
The reaction is coming on the heels of the unrepentant posture of the youths.
Abdul Azeez Suleiman spokesman of the group on Thursday repeated the group’s earlier quit order, describing governors Nasri el-Rufai of Kaduna and his Borno counterpart Kashim Shettima as ambitious spoilers of the interests of the region
He said: “We are disappointed by the treacherous positions assumed by governors Nasir el-Rufai and Kashim Shettima, who, in pursuit of their blind ambition for the vice-presidency, chose to side with the secessionist Igbo against the interest of peace-loving Nigerians.
“The governors are known to be waiting in the wings for Mr. President to die, so they can further their plots to seek the Presidency.
“We are irked by the hordes of lies issued by Shettima, ostensibly on behalf of the 19 northern governors, in which he referred to us as faceless. Shettima has disconnected from reality.”
In a statement by its publicity secretary, Sam Anyanwu, Aka Ikenga said they “ believe that they are sponsored agents provocateur intent on sparking conflagration against an innocent group of Nigerians pursuing their rights of residency and to own property, as provided for in the 1999 Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).”
Pointing at the diverse reactions from across the country as an indication of the expression of hope for a better country, the group however stated that the seed for discord may have been sown by the quit order and called on the authorities to prosecute the culprits.
It further stated; “In this regard we must thank our brothers from the middle belt (North Central) for their understanding, support and love.
“We are also thankful for the timely intervention of Governor Kashim Shettima, who spoke eloquently and patriotically on behalf of the northern Governors’ forum condemning the irresponsibility of the so-called coalition of youths.
“With a warm heart, we thank our brothers from the South south and South West, represented by Region of the Niger Delta (RONDEL) and the Afenifere respectively, together with other well meaning individuals and groups who forcefully demonstrated solidarity with the demand for justice and equity in Nigeria.
“In the same vein, we also commend the Federal Government’s reaction condemning the reckless declaration by the obviously misguided youths.
“We note that it is the duty of government under the Constitution to guarantee the safety of lives and property of the people wherever they may find themselves.
“We note that this phantom group has recanted from its threat, but the seed of discord is already sown.
“We call on government and all well meaning Nigerians to work together to ensure that such impunity is NEVER repeated.
“We also call on the law enforcement agencies to apprehend and prosecute those behind the outburst, including their sponsors. This will deter those who might be tempted to toy with the constitutional rights of fellow Nigerians in the future.”
