Igbo traditional rulers across northern Nigeria meet El-Rufai and declare they are going nowhere

IGBO traditional leaders living in the 19 states of northern Nigeria have dismissed suggestions that Ndigbo should leave by October 1 as directed by a coalition of Arewa youth groups who gave them an ultimatum.

 

Earlier this month, a coalition of northern youth groups said the region was tired of the marriage with Ndigbo and called for the immediate dismemberment of Nigeria. They asked all Igbos leaving across northern Nigeria to leave by independence day and also asked all northerners living in Igboland to do likewise.

 

Yesterday, Igbo traditional rulers from across northern Nigeria met with Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai where they told him that they would ignore the threat. Chief Chikezie Nwogwu, the president of Igbo traditional rulers in the northern states and Abuja, told Governor El-Rufai that they wanted to see the northern youths who issued the ultimatum arrested and prosecuted.

 

Chief Nwogwu said the Igbo would not leave the north because they have contributed immensely to the development of the region. While expressing appreciation to the governor for his support, Chief Nwogwu said Nigeria is better off as one indivisible country but called on government to address some of the underlying factors that had led to the agitations in different parts of the nation.

 

“We are not in support of division. However, we are saying that things should be done right,” Chief Nwogwu added.

 

Governor El-Rufai said the state has no room for hate speeches and will ensure that those who perpetrated such acts are brought to book. He also vowed that no matter how long it takes, the state government will arrest and prosecute leaders of the Coalition of Northern Youths who gave Ndigbo three months notice to quit the north.

 

“Nobody can come to Kaduna State and say this nonsense. It is hate speech that kills, so we have a duty to arrest them and put them before a judge," Governor El-Rufai added.

 

Also yesterday, acting president, Professor Yemi Osinbajo warned that the federal government will deploy its apparatus against any group of people threatening the territorial integrity and oneness of the country.  However, the Kaduna State Police Command revealed that it had not made any arrest, despite the instructions of Governor El-Rufai.

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