APC governors from the southwest distance themselves from separatist agitators demanding secession

ALL Progressive Congress (APC) governors from across the southwest geo-political zone have rejected calls for the balkanisation of Nigeria and the creating of an independent Oduduwa Republic as currently being advocated by certain groups.

In response to the growing murderous activities of Fulani cattle herdsmen, several separatist groups have sprung up across the southwest, agitation for secession. They claim that the creation of an independent Yoruba nation is the only way to protect lives and property and halt the activities if the herdsmen.

Over the weekend, however, the APC governors from across the geo-political zone met with other party stalwarts in Lagos and expressed their commitment to the sanctity if Nigeria. However, they backed the Asaba Declaration recently adopted by the Southern Governors Forum, particularly the ban on open grazing, which they said would lessen the tension between farmers and herdsmen.

Hosted by Governor Babajide Sanwoolu, the Lagos meeting was also attended by his counterparts from Ogun and Osun states Prince Dapo Abiodun and Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola. Others in attendance included House of Representatives speaker Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, APC national leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, former APC chairman Chief Bisi Akande, former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba and Chief Pius Akinyelure.

They reiterated their belief in the unity, stability and sustainability of Nigeria and urged the individuals, groups and associations behind the clamour for secession and hate speeches to apply the brakes. They condemned the spate of insecurity, terrorism and banditry in the country and then asked public office holders to desist from making inflammatory statements capable of heating up the polity.