Nigeria’s major ethnic nationalities resolve to work for the unity of the nation

By Everest Ezihe, Owerri

Considering the importance of unity of purpose in nation’s building, the three major ethnic nationalities in Nigeria comprising Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba ethnic nationalities have resolved to work in greater synergy so as to preserve Nigeria’s corporate existence.

The three ethnic nationalities as major stakeholders in the critical project of the unification of Nigeria as one common entity, converged in Owerri, Imo State capital over the weekend and took the patriotic decision of sustainable common national identity, enthroned with equity, fairness and natural justice.

The resolution was arrived based on inputs from various speakers among the major stakeholders which culminated in the formation of the needed joint synergy that would convincingly address the economic, social and political deficits of Nigeria as a nation.

Part of the strategic strategy adopted to harness the collaborative synergy of unity of purpose, was the inauguration of the executives of the Ogbako Ndigbo Nile from all the Igbo speaking States.

While the Igbo group was represented by the President of the Ogbako Ndigbo Nile, Dr. Azunna Akpelu; the North was represented by the Chairman, East Nigerian People’s Assembly and North East Chairman of the New Nigerian Movement, Dr. Suleiman Bagirei; and the South west (Yoruba), jointly represented by the Chairman, Restructuring Committee, Council of Yoruba Elders and South West Chairman, New Nigeria Movement, Rev (Dr.) Tola Osinubi; and the Secretary General and Leader, Council of Yoruba Elders Forum from the South West and Convener and National Chairman, New Nigeria Movement, Dr. Victor Taiwo.

At the event which took place at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), secrerariat, New Owerri, the President of Ogbako Ndigbo Nile, Akpelu, said Nigerians needed to speak with one voice to achieve collective dreams, urging Nigerians to jettison misconceptions.

According to him, “Nigeria is on a tripod stand. What Ogbako Ndigbo Nile stands for is to speak with one voice. We want to participate in everything that concerns us; sacrifice our comfort.

“Ndi Igbo are in 13 States of Nigeria. Abia, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Rivers, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Bayelsa, Edo, Benue and Kogi.”

He noted that Igbo are asking that there should be equal balance of infrastructure and appointments, stressing that those who are kicking against Igbos are not doing so in the interest of the ethnic group.

“Ndi Igbo are not known for violence. Ogbako Ndigbo Nile will unite the kiths and kin. We should go back to what binds us together, rather than things that disintegrate us.

“Since after the civil war, no Igboman has tested the nation’s seat of power. We need equity and justice.

“The President should look into the issue of what led to agitations in Nigeria. When I talk, I talk authoritatively in points of view. I can see Nigeria that can work together. With that, every other problem will be solved. Is he our President, the answer is yes. Let him give us peace. Economy of Nigeria is going down. We need Nigeria that can think progressively.

“We will roll out programmes; think for them; carry everyone along. We are a transparent organization. We are a congregation of all Ibo’s”.

Speaking, Taiwo, also observed that the New Nigeria Movement was interested in one corporate Nigeria, stressing the need to restructure the country via Independent National Conference.

On his side, Bagirei, said his ethnic group and body was interested in reviewing issues, taking away the past mistakes and moving the nation forward.

He observed that every ethnic group needed each other to advance,”we need each other. We cannot do it alone. Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, cannot do it alone. He called for restructuring of Nigeria to address problems and accommodate all.
corporate Nigeria, stressing the need to restructure the country via Independent National Conference.

On his side, Bagirei, said his ethnic group and body was interested in reviewing issues, taking away the past mistakes and moving the nation forward.

He pointed that every ethnic group needed each other to move in.

He said: “We need each other. We cannot do it alone. Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, cannot do it alone. He called for restructuring of Nigeria to address problems and accommodate all.