Federal government slams Northern Elders Forum for saying some parts of Nigeria could secede

NIGERIA'S presidency has slammed socio-cultural group the Northern Elders Forum (Nef) accusing it of delusional arrogance after the body said that some sections of the country were free to secede from the federation if they so chose to.

Earlier this week, the Nef, in response to the ongoing debate surrounding the national question, asked a section of the country to leave the federation if they were disgruntled. Incensed at the statement, the presidency has insisted that only democratically elected leaders can take decisions that steer the nation, and no one else.

Presidential spokesman Mallam Garba Shehu, said: “We are aware of the latest statement from the so-called Northern Elders Forum. We wish to reassure Nigerians that it remains their democratically elected leadership which takes the decisions that steer our nation and no one else.

“No self-appointed and unelected group can take this right from Nigerians, no matter how much coverage they might enjoy in the media. Nigerians listen to elected leaders, not opinionated tin-gods who have no traction with any responsible group.

“It is a delusional arrogance that would lead such a group to publicly state terms and conditions for the existence of our nation. Who gave them the right to ask for the exclusion, or expulsion of any one, group or section of the country from the Federal Republic of Nigeria?”

In addition, the presidency noted that the Nigerian government does not take guidance or invitations from such groups, as it only receives directives from the Nigerian people who put governments in office. It said while any group can refer to itself as leaders, the government will not recognise it as such if they have not been elected by Nigerians to a leadership role.

Also, the statement from the federal government further noted that like many other countries around the world, Nigeria is feeling the strain of the current period of volatility and uncertainty. It thus added that rather than divide Nigerians, groups like the Nef should be preaching unity.

Mallam Shehu added:  “Now is not the time to seek to exacerbate divisions amongst Nigerians. Rather, we call on all Nigerians to come together and work to overcome the challenges we face as one nation, one people.”