The Maigari of Lokoja in Kogi State, Alhaji Muhammadu Kabir Maikarfi III, has challenged the Biafra agitators and those issuing quit notice to beware of the fallout of another war as no country survives two civil wars.
Speaking against the backdrop of the example of Southern Sudan that successfully got its independence after closest scrutiny by the Pan-African community, together with relevant international actors, a referendum held in line with the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) peacefully delivered the newest nation on July 9, 2011.
“Globally welcomed as the world’s newest state, the hopes and wishes of the international community for South Sudan were far from what we are now witnessing,” he noted.
Speaking after the traditional turbaning of Chief Audu Oke as Sarkin Yoruba (Oba of Yoruba community in Lokoja) at the Maigari Palace, Maigari said his council of chiefs and the people of Lokoja are not in support of the agitation for Biafra, adding that they are also not part of the quit notice by the Northern youths.
The paramount ruler of the first capital city of Nigeria said the resident of Lokoja the Kogi State Capital have been living in peaceful coexistence.
“Lokoja is an example of what unity in diversity should be as almost all the ethnic nationalities are represented as one indivisible and united people irrespective of tribe or religion. There has been this cordial relationship among the various tribes both indigene and non-indigenes.
“Tribal and religious crises had never happened and it will never happen, where the tribes would be discriminating against themselves.” He challenged Nigerians to get closer to God through prayer.
Credits: John Akubo | Guardian
