By SUNNY OKIM

Rising from a webinar held earlier today, eminent leaders from across the country have issued an interim communique on their stand over the heightening political crisis and insecurity in the country.

In the communique issued this evening and signed by Mallam Nastura Ashir Shariff (representing the North and Arc Ezekiel Nya Etok (representing the South), the elders numbering about 127 said break up is not the solution to the country’s mirage of problem, rather a new constitution which focuses on the people.

The communique dated October 1, a copy of which was sent News Express, stated in part:

“The National Summit of Eminent Elders and Leaders of thought in Nigeria held on Nigeria’s independence Day under the auspices of National Political Summit Group, NPSG and National Consultative Front, NCFront, after hours of frank and dispassionate deliberations and stock taking have decided to make the following assertions about the state of Nigeria and what to do to resolve the heightening political crisis and insecurity in the country.as follows:

“That the national dialogue, which held amidst the tension of separatist calls for secession and break up of Nigeria, especially holding on the heels of the various protest rallies held in that regard on independence day, coupled with activities of Terrorists, Insurgents and armed Bandits in the country, is applauded by all as a timely and welcome Intervention and should be explored to the fullest in restoring national reconciliation, healing and stability for Nigeria.

“That Nigeria as a diverse multi-cultural, multi ethnic and multi religious entity should naturally be an asset to all Nigerians but due to its foisted warped constitutional system and structure has suddenly become a liability and albatross to the well-being of Nigerians.

“Therefore, in making Nigeria work again for all, the Summit must hold the bull by the horn, eschew trading blames and accusations and urgently move to change the current unsavory narrative of Nigeria into a story of equitable, just and prosperous giant of Africa and the entire black race.

“The deliberations, which were opened with a profound keynote address delivered by an astute Elder statesman and diplomat, Dr Ahmed Joda, and moderated by Professor of political economy and former presidential adviser in the Second Republic, Pat Utomi, also received far reaching inputs and proposals from eminent statesmen and women from across the country, among whom are, Dr Uma Eleazu, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Rt Hon Ghali Naaba, Chief Ubaluzuike Ameachi, Alhaji Tanko Yakassai, Dr Hakeem Baba Ahmed, Dr Kalu Idika Kalu Zik's Wife, Dr Uche Azikwe, Hadjia Inna, Iyom Josephine Anenih, Awo’s Daughter, Dr Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, Elder Nat Okoro, Senator Ita Giwa, Hadjia Zainab Maina, Madam Kema Chikwe, Obong Victor Atah, Dr Obadiah Mailafia, Dr Zainab Ibrahim Kuchi, Dr Falalu Bello, Dr Timi Agary, Senator Mike Ajeigbo, Dr Gabriel Aduku, Dr Kunle Olajide and others who made various submissions at the confab.

“The well attended national summit after painstaking and robust deliberations resolved as follows:

“To set up a 40 member National Reconciliation, Healing and Political Reform Commission to fashion a new political system and structure for Nigeria to douse political tension and call for secession in the country

“To initiate a process of massive consultation and engagement of key stakeholders in the country in reconciling and healing old wounds inflicted on one another, especially the wounds and perceived offence during the civil war in Nigeria

“To reconvene again in January 2021 at a wider physical National Confab of leaders of thought to include leaders of government and resourceful young leaders in carrying every stakeholder along in the resolving the Nigeria’s political and constitutional acrimony in the country since agitation for secession or break up of the country is as a result of the frustration and hardship experienced by various stakeholders in the way Nigeria is structured and being currently run by the political class.”

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