Reactions have continued to trail the recent threat issued by some northern groups who gave all Igbo residing in the northern region three months ultimatum to relocate.
The groups including Arewa Citizens Action for Change, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Arewa Youth Development Foundation, Arewa Students Forum and Northern Emancipation Network among others had advised all easterners residing in the north to vacate the region, declaring that the North would no longer be disposed to co-existing with the Igbo and ‘shall take definite steps to end the partnership by pulling out of the current federal arrangement.’
Reacting to the threat, the Christian Association of Nigeria in the 19 northern states and the FCT described the utterances of the groups as evil and a threat to national security and unity; saying that both the leaders and sponsors of the groups should be arrested with immediate effect.
The Spokesperson of the Association, Reverend John Joseph Hayab said, “Which North do they claim to be speaking for and making this evil threat? We are northerners and cannot recall any meeting where such decision was taken and will never support or encourage anyone to champion such evil idea. What Nigeria needs today is unity for progress not threat from people who don’t know and understand the positive contribution and sacrifice our parents made to keep this country to this level,” he said.
Also, the chairman, Council of Yoruba Obas and Chiefs in the 19 northern states and Abuja, Ambassador Mohammed Arigbabuwo in his reaction advised the Federal Government to call a meeting of responsible elders among the Yorubas, Igbos, Hausas and other tribes to discuss the way out so as to avoid any form of mayhem.
“We are not praying for any mayhem but government should invite all the giants of the nation including traditional rulers, religious leaders and political leaders to settle the issue amicably because they know the value of our country. Nobody can go to anywhere because we do not have another country, we can only be proud of Nigeria,” he said while urging parents to train their children in the right way so that they will not bring shame to them.
The President of Igbos in Kaduna, Barrister Chris Nnoli said there is no cause for alarm since the governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai had ordered for the arrest of the people who issued the threat and has also assured all citizens including the Igbos of safety.
Nnoli who is also the Deputy President General of Igbos in the 19 northern states and Abuja appealed to his people to remain calm and law abiding as they go about their daily activities.
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