The Chairman of Centrum Initiative for Development and Fundamental Rights Advocacy (CEDRA), Dr. John Danfulani has described as felonious and treasonable recent three-months ultimatum by a Coalition of Arewa Youth Organizations that Igbos in the 19 northern states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) must relocate to their states of origin.
This is even as CEDRA has commended Governor el-Rufai of Kaduna State for the bold steps taken to rein in and bring to ‘book miscreants trying to upturn the peaceful coexistence of the various ethnic groups in different regions of the country.’
In a letter of commendation to the Governor dated June 8, 2017; the former Kaduna State University lecturer however said the swift directive to arrest those behind the so-called Arewa Youths coalition is not enough.
According to him, further steps should be taken to ensure these arrests are carried out and the culprits dully prosecuted, noting that, “Utterances and positions like this was precursor for the deadly civil war we fought from 1967-1970 that lives lost and properties destroyed is still a subject of public debate.”
Amplifying CEDRA’s support for the Kaduna State government and its decision to prosecute leaders of the coalition, Danfulani said, “We have no other nation than Nigeria. We must at all cost preserve and guard its indivisibility and indissolubility for this generation and succeeding generations.”
The body therefore urged the Kaduna government to adequately protect Igbos’ lives and properties, adding, “Igbos must be encouraged to stay put and continue to carry on their lawful activities in the North.”
Below is the full text of CEDRA’s Letter to Governor el-Rufai
08/06/2017
Mr. Nasir Ahmed El-rufai
The Governor of Kaduna State
Sir Kashim Ibrahim House
Kaduna
Sir,
LETTER OF COMMENDATION
I write to commend your patriotic and swift action on the ultimatum issued by a Coalition of Arewa Youth Organizations that Igbos residing in 19 states of northern Nigeria and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) must relocate to their states of origin by 1st October of 2017.
The so-called Arewa youths’ resolution was felonious, treasonable, illegal, and immoral because it challenged the foundation of our existence as a nation.
Your swift directive for the arrest of these people alone is not enough, further steps should be taken to ensure arrests are carried out and the culprits prosecuted.
Utterances and positions like this was precursor for the deadly civil war we fought from 1967-1970 that lives lost and properties destroyed is still a subject of public debate.
We therefore believe that as a nationalist you would do all it takes to avert a repeat of 1967-1970 by bringing to book those miscreants trying to upturn the peaceful coexistence of the various ethnic groups in different regions of the country.
Your Excellency, we are solidly behind you in this decision because we have no other nation than Nigeria. We must at all cost preserve and guard its indivisibility and indissolubility for this generation and succeeding generations.
Finally, your government must adequately protect Igbos’ lives and properties. Igbos must be encouraged to stay put and continue to carry on their lawful activities in the North.
Accept assurances of our highest esteem and regards.
Dr. John Danfulani
Chairman, Centrum Initiative For Development And Fundamental Rights Advocacy (CEDRA)
