During the week, a certain Coalition of Northern Youths issued some kind of ‘ultimatum’ to South Easterners living in the North of Nigeria to leave the geographic zone.
With the kind of reactions that trailed this obnoxious eviction notice, it is clear that Nigeria and Nigerians are very far from being united.
Since then too, the Governor of Kaduna State where the reported proclamation was made, Malam Nasir El’ Rufai came out smoking with an order for the investigation, arrest and prosecution of the signatories to the communique issued at the end of the coalition of northern youths’ news conference.
In addition, several other northern governors and prominent politicians, statesmen and associations dissociated themselves.
On Thursday, the Mr Ibrahim Idris, the Inspector General of Police ordered the Commissioner of Police (CP) in Kaduna State to investigate and arrest members of the Coalition.
Despite all these moves from concerned authorities, there is dire need for more to be done.
The so called ‘Coalition’ must have an address, leaders and most importantly, backers.
It will be unfortunate if this is also allowed to fester just like the Boko Haram phenomenon. It is better for the constituted authority and others charged with the security of the nation to take the right steps at the right time.
Once again, our belief is that the backers or sponsors of this ‘Coalition’ must be fished out and made to publicly face the wrath of the Nigerian law. If this is not done, they will come transform and come out with another style and approach.
We call on Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, to take more than passive interest in this development. He may actually make a pronouncement to douse rising tension from different parts of the country.
Nigeria is too big to be held to ransom by any ethnic group or any coalition. All in all, the Federal Government must identify those behind the coalition immediately before they make another devastating move.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
