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You’ve Failed Nigerians, CNG, Igbo Leaders Tell Buhari, Govs
Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) and Igbo Community Leaders of Northern Nigeria, yesterday, unanimously said Nigerian leaders have failed the people in their bid to unite and propel the country to prosperity.
The two socio-political groups, which spoke at the end of a joint meeting held in Abuja, said the crop of leaders piloting the affairs of the country, irrespective of party affiliation, have failed to institutionalise the principles of regional cooperation and inclusiveness.
They, particularly, laid emphasis on political appointments and implementation of developmental programmes, especially by the Federal Government.
A communique read before reporters at the end of the meeting and co-signed by CNG spokesman, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, and Secretary, Igbo Community Leaders of Northern Nigeria, Austin Ifedinezi.
It reads in part: “In furtherance of the meeting between the Coalition of Northern Groups and the Igbo traditional, cultural, and community leaders of northern Nigeria started about three years ago, the two parties met again in Abuja, and discussed vital national issues and took far-reaching decisions”.
The meeting unanimously agreed: “That the passing generations of leaders have failed us, and to use this regional cooperation to ensure that we do not fail the next generation by working for an inclusive society that provides at least the most minimal of equal opportunities for all Nigerians.
“To foster greater cooperation that would ensure that no region or ethnic group is turned into marginal elements in all calculations in the future of our nation.
“To remain vigilant over the direction and fate of our nation, Nigeria; as major stakeholders in whatever happens in and to Nigeria, but our position on how the nation operates must be informed by enhanced national unity and greater inter-regional cooperation.”
The two socio-political organizations in the North noted that no ethnic group can dominate another forever in the country, even as they advised the President and the 36 state governors to resist the temptation to live in perpetual blame of any particular section, tribe, or religious creed for the problems plaguing the nation.
“No one wins a religious or ethnic war; no ethnic group can dominate another forever; and no benefit comes from fights and conflicts. With an improved trust and sustained cooperation among all regions, sections and faith, Nigeria will overcome its current challenges,” the communique added.
While condemning the manifestations of insecurity in parts of the country, the meeting also counselled the people against derailing the efforts to build a nation where every citizen will be safe and secure wherever he chooses to reside and earn a living.
Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has called on Nigerians to reject silence in the face of extrajudicial killings and other abuses of human rights.
Soyinka stressed that accountability and civic courage remain essential to rebuilding public confidence in the nation’s institutions.
He made the call during the 28th Wole Soyinka Lecture held in Port Harcourt, last Friday as part of activities marking his 92nd birthday.
The lecture, themed “Reclaiming the Nigerian State through Accountability, Justice and Civic Courage,” drew participants from different sectors of society.
The renowned playwright and human rights advocate said the country’s greatest tragedy was not only the unlawful killings carried out by state and non-state actors, but also the silence that often follows such incidents, allowing perpetrators to evade justice.
According to him, indifference by citizens to abuses of power and violations of fundamental human rights has contributed to the persistence of extrajudicial killings and other forms of injustice across the country.
Soyinka said he dedicated this year’s lecture to victims of unlawful killings, noting that the event was intended to honour individuals who had lost their lives as a result of failures within the justice system and society’s inability to protect the sanctity of human life.
He stressed that the lecture was dedicated to what he described as the basic unit of every society – the human being, and urged Nigerians to place greater value on human dignity irrespective of ethnicity, religion or social status.
The Nobel Laureate recalled several incidents of violence, including the fatal shooting and killing of a young man in Ugheli in Delta State by a police officer, and the mob killing of Deborah Yakubu in Sokoto State sometime ago, lamenting that many of those responsible are yet to face justice.
He expressed concern that some perpetrators of violent crimes had openly admitted their actions without fear of prosecution, describing such situations as evidence of serious failures within the nation’s justice system.
Soyinka maintained that when justice is delayed or denied, public confidence in state institutions continues to erode, thereby encouraging further violations of human rights.
Responding to critics who accuse him of promoting religious or ethnic divisions whenever he spoke on such issues, Soyinka dismissed the allegations and pointed out that his advocacy has always centred on the protection of human life and the rule of law.
He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue demanding justice in cases of alleged extrajudicial killings, including the recent shooting of a young man by a police officer, stressing that every life deserves equal protection under the law.
The literary icon also recalled an earlier pledge by a past incoming president to make public the files relating to unresolved assassinations and extrajudicial killings, questioning the status of the promised investigations.
He challenged citizens to continue asking questions about unresolved cases, insisting that justice, accountability and respect for human dignity are indispensable to building a peaceful, democratic and inclusive Nigerian society.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has clarified that there was no fire at Terminal 2 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, contrary to its earlier advisory.
Earlier yesterday, FAAN had announced that a fire incident had occurred at Terminal 2 of the nation’s busiest airport, and assured that its Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting Service had been deployed to contain the situation.
There were also reports that activities were briefly disrupted at the airport yesterday after smoke was seen inside parts of the terminal.
Videos circulating online showed passengers kept standing outside the terminal while firefighters responded to the incident.
However, in an update issued less than two hours later by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, and posted on FAAN’s official X handle, the authority said preliminary findings showed that the smoke seen at the terminal was caused by the discharge of the facility’s FM-200 fire suppression system.
“Further to our earlier advisory regarding the incident at Terminal 2 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) wishes to provide the following update,” the statement read.
“Preliminary findings indicate that there was no fire at the terminal. The smoke observed within the affected area resulted from the discharge of the terminal’s FM-200 fire suppression system. The reason for the activation of the fire suppression system is currently being investigated,” FAAN stated.
The authority said normal operations had resumed at the terminal while investigations were ongoing to determine the cause of the incident.
“Normal operations have since resumed at the terminal, while detailed investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the incident,” the statement added.
The authority thanked passengers, airlines, airport users and other stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation.
FAAN appreciated the understanding and cooperation of passengers, airlines, airport users and all stakeholders, and reiterated its commitment to the safety and security of all airport operations.