SAN FRANCISCO, June 21, (THEWILL) – A former Kano governor and lawmaker representing Kano Central senatorial district, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has warned against the arrest of leaders of Arewa youth groups who have given the Igbo a three-month ultimatum to vacate the North.
Describing the call even from some northern governors as unpatriotic and capable of causing national insecurity, Kwankwaso urged the governors and other leaders in the North to dialogue with the youths, instead of resorting to calling for their arrests.
He told select journalists on Wednesday that hounding the young men in jail qwould rather aggravate the already tensed atmosphere in the country.
Describing the Igbos as bona fide citizens of the country who are free to live in any part of the country, the former governor noted that true dialogue would enable the youths, who are leaders of tomorrow, better appreciate the nation’s unity in diversity.
“The general belief in the North is that we are better together as a country. The unity and development of the country should be of paramount concern of every Nigerian,” he said.
Kwankwaso blamed the tension over the pronouncement of the youths and the counter call by another group in the South on the weakness in the nation’s political order, accusing the elders of failing to call the youths to order.
“Many people are afraid to call the youths to order. If they are wrong, they are wrong,” he said.
He however commended the steps taken so far by the Federal Government, particularly Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, who had been holding series of consultations with leaders of thoughts from different parts of the country.
The ex-governor contended that the agitation of the Igbo which borders on the need for better representation at the centre and the need for even development of their zone could be addressed without resorting to threat of secession.
