(Press Statement) In further pursuit of its resolve to ensure a stronger, peaceful and united Nigeria in which all differences are respected, the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) convened a meeting of leaders of Nigerian ethnic nationalities to chart a course for the future.
The meeting which was held in Abuja coinciding with the World Peace Day was attended by leaders of the CNG, Ohaneze Youths Council Worldwide (OYC), Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Yoruba Youth Congress (YYC), Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC) and a host of other groups.
After extensive deliberations and review of events and the curren security situation in the country, the groups unanimously:
- Reaffirmed their commitment to a united, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria where the rights of all citizens to live peacefully in any part of the country is guaranteed.
- Agreed that all Nigerians have the moral duty to be their brother’s keeper under any circumstance and in all parts and affairs anywhere in Nigeria.
- The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) reassured the Igbo and other ethnic groups resident in the Northern part of Nigeria of the safety of their lives and property, with the guarantee that they reserve the right to pursue their legitimate businesses and livelihood without fear.
- The Ohaneze Youth Council Worldwide on its part, reassured all Northerners and members of other ethnic nationalities resident in the East to go about their businesses without any fear as the safety of their lives and properties is equally guaranteed.
- The groups strongly reiterated the need for all Nigerians to exercise restraint as well as shun all communications or aberrations that are capable of negatively influencing the collective resolve of the majority of Nigerians to maintain a united, peaceful and prosperous country.
* Nigerians were reassured of the unwavering commitment by the groups and a host of well meaning Nigerians to forge a country that works for everyone irrespective of ethnic, regional or confessional affiliations.
*The groups also reasserted their dedicated commitment to a cause that will bring Nigerians together to discuss a framework for the future in which every citizen will live in peace where his or her rights are protected, opportunities enhanced and future secured.
* It was consequently resolved that a National Unity Summit of all ethnic nationalities shall be convened in October, 2017.
At the end of the meeting, a communique was drafted and endorsed by Ashir N. Shariff (CNG), Mazi O. Isiguzoro Ohaneze Youths Council Worldwide (OYC), Prince Dapo Adepoju (YYC), Barr. Oweilaemi Peretubo (IYC), Comrade Israel Uwejeyan (NDYC), Mike Msuaan (TYC), Imoh Stephen Okoko (IYC), Yerima Shettima (AYCF), Ogbebor Emmanuel (UYF) and Idoko Ben O. Olohi-wole of the Idoma National Advancement Project.
