Osinbajo assures all ethnic nationalities that the federal government will address their concerns

ACTING president Professor Yemi Osinbajo has assured all ethnic groups across the country that their legitimate agitations and concerns will be addressed by the federal government as part of its plans to move the nation forward.

Over recent years, the Nigerian polity has heated up significantly particularly with the increased agitation among Igbos in the southeast for the recreation of the defunct republic of Biafra. Of late, this has created tension after a coalition of Arewa youth groups in northern Nigeria gave all Igbos a deadline of October 1 to leave northern Nigeria.

Amid growing tension, Professor Osinbajo said that the government was not deaf to such genuine demands by different ethnic nationalities but advised that every request should be made with decorum in order not to offend the letters of the nation’s constitution. Over the last fortnight, Professor Osinbajo initiated consultations with different leaders of thoughts especially from the north and southeast of the country to find a way to resolve the impasse.

Presidential spokesman Laolu Akande, said: “Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has again assured Nigerians that the Buhari administration is not deaf to grievances in parts of the country, disclosing that the government will address them, while urging that such grievances be expressed with grace. This emerged from the highlights of the series of consultations the acting president called to interact with leaders from the north, southeast and the media over the last two weeks between 13 June to 22 June 2017.

"An updated statement from the presidency today noted that the meetings were convened to provide a platform for frank and open discussions between the concerned stakeholders and by extension the Nigerian public on issues relating to the unity, peace and security of country. While this set of consultations were concluded last week, the presidency will continue to actively engage with different segments of the Nigerian population at different stages and format in the near future."

He pointed out that the groups that had so far been met with the acting president include the Northern Leaders of Thought, the Southeast Leaders of Thought, the Southeast Traditional Rulers, Northern Traditional Rulers, all state governors and media publishers and editors. According to Mr Akande, the meetings were convened to provide a platform for frank and open discussions between the concerned stakeholders and by extension the Nigerian public on issues relating to the unity, peace and security of country.

“The meetings touched on various issues relating to the ethnic agitations that have confronting all grievances and frustrations head-on, however uncomfortable that might seem now; instead of ignoring issues and allowing them to fester. They affirmed the need for all leaders and elders, regardless of political or ideological persuasion, to speak out more forcefully to counter divisive and hate speech and any form of warmongering.

“Also, the acting president expresses appreciation to all the leaders for their time and commitment to the unity, peace and progress of the Nigerian nation. He also assures the Nigerian people of the determination and resolve of the Buhari administration to ensure their well-being and security at all times," Mr Akande added.