We are not going anywhere – Igbo leaders in North
By AbdulRaheem Aodu
Kaduna
Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna state has restated his resolve to arrest and bring to justice, Arewa Youth Coalition leaders, who gave quit notice to Igbos in the North, just as he assured Igbos of their security across the 19 Northern states.
Addressing the Igbo Delegate Association and Igbo Chiefs in Northern Nigeria, who paid him a courtesy visit yesterday in Kaduna, the governor said “no matter how long it takes, the Arewa youths, who signed the quit order, would be arrested and prosecuted to serve as deterrent to others”.
El-Rufai, however, urged Igbo leaders to prevail on their youths against making statements and agitations capable of dividing Nigeria.
“Kaduna state government is grateful to the Igbos for coming to Kaduna. Kaduna has suffered so many crises, so we are very sensitive to comments that could incite and cause disaffection among the people. Kaduna used to be a home for all, but so many crises have divided the state and the metropolis across religious lines. As a government, that is why we abolished indigeneship, once you live in Kaduna you are an indigene.
“Kaduna has experienced so many crises in the past and that is why we did not take chances in ordering for their arrest and prosecution. We have arrested so many people for hate speeches and we are trying them.
“We are going to arrest the Arewa youths leaders and bring them to justice. Since the press conference was done in Kaduna. If they had done it in any other place we would have just condemned them, but since it is in Kaduna we are going to arrest them no matter how long it takes.”
“I have the mandate of the Northern states Governors’ Forum under the chairmanship of Borno state Governor, Kashim Shettima, to reassure the Igbos in the 19 Northern states and Abuja that their lives and property are safe in the North,” el-Rufai added.
President General Igbo Delegate Assembly, Chief Chikezie Nwogu, who led the Igbo traditional rulers, commended the federal government and El-Rufai for their swift condemnations of the quit notice.
Nwogu said:”We are here in Kaduna to hold a meeting based on what has been happening in the North, especially with the Arewa Youths and the ultimatum given to Igbos and the agitations by IPOB.
“We are not here to condemn anybody. We thank the Governor of Kaduna state, Malam Nasir El-Rufai and other Northern governors, emir’s and the federal government for their interventions at the heat of the issue.
“We are not happy with the call for division. We want Nigeria as one so that all of us can benefit. Northern youths have been our brothers. The Igbos are not going anywhere, we will remain with our Arewa brothers in the north,” Nwogu added.