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The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Kogi chapter, on Sunday emphasised the need for people to embrace peace and dialogue in finding a lasting solution to any dispute in the society.
A statement by NYCN Chairman in Lokoja, Mr Oladele Nihi, said all hands must be on deck to ensure that the peace Nigeria currently enjoying was not destroyed by the evil wind blowing in the South East.
Nihi said that NYCN in Kogi had observed with keen interest, the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) led by Nnamdi Kanu, and the recent face off between the group and Nigerian Army which led to loss of lives, injuries and currently overheating the polity.
“As a group, our concern is not to take sides or join in the blame game across the divide, but to hammer on the need for all to embrace peace and dialogue in finding a lasting solution to this unfortunate situation we find ourselves.
“As a state that shares direct boarders with ten States and FCT, and also serves as a link between the Southern and Northern parts of this country, Kogi will feel a major impact of a negative outcome of the current quagmire.
“Relics of the Second World War and the events of the Nigerian Civil War still remain sad reminders of the evil consequences of war. We cannot afford to allow a repeat of such sad event ever again.
“The Kogi State Government is trying her best to make the state safe and secure for both indigenes, settlers and those traveling through.
“Therefore, all hands must be on deck to ensure that the peace we currently enjoy in Kogi and in Nigeria at large is not destroyed by this evil wind currently blowing around us,” Nihi said
He, therefore enjoined all those calling for secession to adopt a more civil and peaceful approach in articulating and propagating their concerns, rather than violent means or inciting people against each other.
He also urged the Nigerian Army to exercise caution that Nigeria as an entity operate in a democratic dispensation, stressing that democracy allowed for the freedom of expression and association.
“The ongoing Operation Python Dance Two in the South East must be carried out in the most civil manner while observing the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The Fundamental Human Rights of citizens must be respected at all times.
“We call on all stakeholders, especially the youths irrespective of their perspectives to always preach peace and avoid using words that will further polarise the system.
“Let us as youths, use all mediums, especially the social media to educate ourselves on the need for a peaceful Nigeria as we have more to gain as a people when we are united.
“Kogi NYCN commiserates with the government of the affected states, the NYCN Abia and Rivers States chapters, and her people on the unfortunate loss of lives and properties in their domain,” Nihi said.
Credit: Stephen Adeleye | NAN
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