A coalition of Nigerian ethnic nationalities groups, Thursday, June 15, appealed for calm over the tension generated by the three-month ultimatum given to Igbos in the North.

The ‎groups, which met in Abuja where they called for a ceasefire among the various youth groups in the country, also demanded for the convocation of a national youth conference.

While insisting on the call for restructuring of the country, the coalition said that acting President Yemi Osinbajo must attend the proposed confab fixed for sometimes in July to chart a way forward for the country.

The communiqué was signed after the meeting held by Eric Oluwale of the Yoruba Youth Council Worldwide and secretary general Ethnic National Youths Leaders; Emma Zompal of the Middle Belt Youth Council Worldwide; Okechukwu Isiguzoro of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council; Oweilaemi Ereotubo of the Ijaw Youths; and Ibrahim Waiya, representing the Arewa Northern Youths Assembly.

The communiqué said: “Having observed with worry and keen interest‎ the ongoing tension across the country, which arose as a result of the quit notice on Igbos in the Northern part of Nigeria, we met today, June 14, 2017 in Abuja and took far reaching decisions.

“We condemned the quit notice served by Arewa youths‎ to Igbo residents in the North and have resolved for peace to reign in all quarters. The meeting has, however, instituted peace process of reconciling the north and the south east.

“We are still insisting on restructuring of the country so as to guarantee an equitable federalism for peaceful co-existence.

“For the collective interest of Nigeria, we are calling for a ceasefire among all the aggrieved youth groups in the country. Pushing this matter too far has grave implication for Nigeria and by extension, the youths.”

The group commended Peter Obi, a former Anambra State governor, for his intervention and fatherly advice in suing for peace among the youth.

—  Jun 26, 2017 @ 01:00 GMT