By Olanrewaju Adesanya
A coalition of 406 indigenous youth
groups in Nigeria and the Diaspora on Saturday called on President Muhammdu
Buhari and the 36 state governors to immediately save the country from imminent
collapse.
The groups, under the aegis of the Nigerian Ethnic Nationality Youth Leaders
Forum (NENYLF), also appealed to Buhari to order the immediate release of
Omoyele Sowore, who was detained for allegedly planning a ‘Revolution Now
Movement’ protest.
The groups spoke on the state of the nation in a joint statement signed by
Alhaji Yerima Shettima of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), who
doubles as chairman of NENYLF, Aremo Oladotun Hassan, President of the
Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, President
General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide and Barr. Pereotubo Oweilaemi,
President, Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide.
According to them, the country now faces obvious signs of anarchy and no
responsible government and its leadership can continue to fold their arms
pretending that all is well.
They listed some of the challenges facing the country to include “serial
political imbalance and hydra headed government’s policies.”
They demanded for ‘a new people’s national dialogue document master plan’ to
immediately “salvage the ailing ship of the nation from imminent total
collapse, in view of the ongoing premeditated and inciteful actions from
various groups intended to cause full breakdown of law and order.”
The coalition decried the crippling effect of corruption on the economy,
political rifts, continued attacks by armed bandits and terrorists, kidnappings
and killings of peace loving Nigerians across the nation.
“We are more informed and learned to see daily threats as an invitation to
anarchy and civil disturbances precipitating our further urgent and immediate
call on President Muhammadu Buhari alongside 36 states governors to jointly
proffer short and long term goals and objectives, aimed at rebuilding
confidence and patriotism, developing economic master plan and innovative
poverty alleviation programs in Nigeria,” the coalition said.
According to the groups, steps must be taken urgently to show the will power of
democracy at work, and protect the civil rights of the citizens, preserve constitutional
authority and sovereignty of the government.
They urged the authorities to ensure that the various regions of the country do
not remain breeding grounds for terrorism, wanton kidnapping, daily killings,
corruption inflicted economy and nepotism.
“We shall be demanding that President Muhammadu Buhari set all machineries
of government in motion to kick start the convocation of a National Dialogue
ahead 30th September to 1st October, 2019.
“This is a no holds bar National Dialogue predicated on discussing
critical areas of our national lives, in order to guarantee national
security, peace, economic growth,political stability and development of
Nigeria,” the groups said.
While urging the government to go after criminals irrespective of their ethnic leanings,
they warned the perpetrators of insecurity to desist forthwith from any actions
capable of causing national commotion under whatsoever guise with immediate
effect.
