Nigeria is facing grave dangers – Northern, southern leaders

Tue, Sep 15, 2020
By editor
3 MIN READ

Politics

NORTHERN and southern leaders of Nigeria have raised alarm over the deteriorating state of the country. The leaders said the country is facing grave dangers, especially in the areas of governance, economy, security, political intolerance, worsening social and inter-communal cohesion, poor performance of democratic and electoral structures.

In a communiqué signed by Ahmed Magaji, the leaders, comprising the Northern Elders’ Forum, NEF, Middle Belt Forum, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Afenifere and Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, regretted the declining faith in leadership and those charged with leadership at all levels, which have combined to push the country to the brink. But the leaders said they are ready to pull Nigeria back from the brink and resolved to deploy their individual and collective efforts to achieve that objective.

The socio-cultural and political organizations said they were committed to support and involve themselves in all activities targeted at improving the Nigerian constitution for the purpose of meeting the yearnings and aspirations of all Nigerian citizens. The communiqué read: “The meeting noted the grave dangers Nigeria is facing, especially in the areas of deterioration of governance, the economy, security, political intolerance, worsening social and inter-communal cohesion, poor performance of democratic and electoral structures, declining faith in leadership and those charged with leadership at all levels, which have combined to push our beloved country to the brink.

“The meeting identified the primacy of pulling Nigeria back from the brink and resolved to deploy their individual and collective efforts to achieve that objective. The participating organisations commit to support and involve themselves in all activities targeted at improving the Nigerian constitution for the purpose of meeting the yearnings and aspirations of all Nigerian citizens.

“Participants further resolved to mobilise Nigerians to support and work towards improving understanding and fraternal relations among all groups constituting Nigeria.  The meeting further committed itself to work with other organisations, groups and governmental organs at all levels to improve the quality of governance and the democratic and electoral processes as well as on all matters that can positively impact and improve the economic wellbeing of the Nigerian citizen.

“The meeting agreed to set up Panels of Experts to discuss, address and make recommendations on the following subjects: Nigeria’s federal structure and devolution of power, responsibilities and resources; security; electoral reforms and ensuring the integrity and credibility of elections; local government autonomy and effective administration; the economy and fiscal federalism; judicial reforms; and other matters central to the survival of Nigeria,” it said.

The communiqué also stated that Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum; Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State, chairman, APC Governors Forum; and Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, chairman, PDP Governors Forum, were fully briefed on the initiative and its resolve.

– Sept. 14, 2020 @ 16:35 GMT |

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