Hon Jibril Lawal Tafida, former vice chairman of Kaduna North Local Government Area, in this interview with ABDULRAHEEM AODU, speaks on the need for both the North and South-east regions to dialogue as a way out of the confusion arising from the quit notice handed down by a Coalition of Northern Youths last week, asking Igbos to leave the north by October 1.
Why do you think the Coalition of Northern Youth groups ask Igbos to leave the North within three months?
I believe the coalition’s decision calls for urgent action; the Federal Government needs to come up with a position on this issue of agitation. The coalition’s declaration is not good for the unity of Nigeria but I also believe the members must have taken the decision out of frustration, especially given what is happening in South Eastern Nigeria. The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) have almost taken the whole nation to ransom with their agitation. I stand for freedom of expression and the right of people to ventilate their grievances but not at the expense of the nation’s corporate existence. It is a wrong notion to think that if a homogenous entity lives together, peace and equity are guaranteed. Look at what is happening in Somalia.
The country is 100% Muslim and from the same tribe. But where is peace? So, we must forge unity in a diverse Nigeria and it is everybody’s business to do so, if truly we want live together. The north’s silence should not be taken as weakness. The north is not afraid of any break up but that shouldn’t mean that IPOB’s threat is enough to make us believe that it is the time for north to support any call for separation.
Don’t you think that the quit notice is a violation of Igbos’ freedom of movement and association as well as their right to live anywhere they chose to live in Nigeria?
It depends on how you look at it. I’m a supporter and advocate of one Nigeria, but if the Federal government will allow some Igbo fringe elements to do what they like, the Northern Youth should not be cautioned when they chose to air their views. The whole thing is on how the Federal government handles the situation, by taking steps that will ensure the peace and unity of Nigeria by restructuring. By restructuring here I mean, the government should look at the grievances of all the components of the federation with a view of finding an amicable settlement.
Who gave the Coalition the mandate to speak or act for the North?
I’m not part of the coalition and I wouldn’t know who gave them the mandate but I believe as Northerners, they have the right to speak for North and make their position known. But caution needs to be taken when taking decisions on sensitive matters such as the unity of a country.
Arewa Consultative Forum, Northern Governors Forum and prominent Northerner have condemned the ultimatum given to the Igbos to leave the North. Does that suggest that the North is not in support of their action?
You know in the North, people generally do not support things like this because of its sensitivity. Moreover, some of these Northern Elders fought during the civil war or have witnessed its devastation on fellow brothers who happened to be on the other side of the war. Also, some of these elders took part in the arduous task of nation building and they know enough of Nigeria to know that those elements that are calling for break up are not representing the true position of their people.
They wouldn’t want a repeat of the unfortunate events of 1966 and 1967. But what I expect them to do is to call these youths for a meeting, where they will be given an opportunity to explain their position and as elders, they can proffer solution. The elders are right to condemn any action that will create disharmony and dissatisfaction among not only Northerners but Nigeria as a whole.
The Professor Ango Abdullahi-led Northern Elders Forum has come out to support the Coalition of Northern Youths. How do you see this?
I think it is not proper for any elder to support separation of Nigeria but if you look at how Igbo elders are busy supporting and celebrating IPOB, definitely you will see nothing in NEF’ s position. Both sides need to be careful if truly we want a united Nigeria. This is the time for sober reflection in the interest of our common good. There is no need to play to the gallery. There is no need to rock the boat in order to get applause from your people.
Some politicians are alleged to be behind the agitation. How does the politics of 2019 fit into the quit notice handed to the Igbos?
It is natural whenever something like this happens, there are political undertones. The whole thing is political and there must be politicians supporting it; be it here in North or the South East. But I still insist caution must be taken to avoid creating unnecessary tension.
The Coalition is insisting on its quit notice to Igbos despite condemnation from ACF and prominent northerners. What do you think is the way out?
You should expect activists to take a decision and stand by it. They have the right to stick to their position but in doing that, they should also respect others’ right too. A united Nigeria is better for all of us but if we think otherwise, then we should resolve our difference amicably through legal and constitutional means.
The coalition’s declaration is not good for the unity of Nigeria but I also believe the members must have taken the decision out of frustration
