Power Rotation Will Curb Agitations For Separation – Groups

BY AMOS DUNIA, KADUNA – Over 30 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) of Northern Nigeria extraction have declared that rotational presidency would put a stop to the agitations for separation not only in the South East but in other regions.

The CSOs specifically urged all political parties to zone their presidential ticket to the South East for justice, equity and fairness, stressing that such a move would address marginalization and promote unity, brotherhood and pan Nigerian sentiments.

Spokesman of the groups, Comrade Abdulsalam Mohammed Kazeem told journalists in Kaduna at press conference that Senator Anyim Pius Anyim being a bridge builder to the entire youths of Northern extraction, would be their candidate for 2023 presidency.

The organisations described Anyim as a detribalized Nigerian who has good intentions for the youths in the country.

Kazeem noted that while the South East region is captured in all other sectors of the Nigerian economy in line with federal character from 1999 till date, it is however denied the presidency and vice presidency of Nigeria.

Kazeem explained that the leadership of the various organizations at their sitting on March 23, 2021, met at Mallam Aminu Kano Centre for Democratic Research Mambayya House, Kano and looked at the way forward for the unity of the country and support for one Nigerian project.

According to him; “We realize that only two regions out of the six geo political regions have not occupied either President or vice-President seat since 1999 till date, which is unfair and against any democratic standard worldwide.

“Between 1999 and 2007, it was South West and North East, and between 2007 and 2015, it was the North West, South South and North West while from 2015 till date, it is between North West and South West!

He said that the South East is part and parcel of the Nigerian project and should be treated fairly just like other zones of the country, adding that the zone deserves to get what others have gotten, stressing that it has paid its dues in terms of contributions and consolidation of Nigeria.

Kazeem further said; “The region is being captured in all other sectors of the Nigerian economy based on federal character from 1999 till date, but denied either of the office of president and vice president”.

He said that the political elites are against the unity of Nigeria, saying that the youths as the future and hope of the Nation as well as critical stakeholders in nation building are determined to change the narrative for good.

He also said; “In consideration of our population, we will henceforth cease to be spectators. Rather we have decided to be part of the process from mobilization, sensitization of youths from our region to get their voters card to the point of telling them who to vote for during elections.

“We will defend the unity of Nigeria, which is non-negotiable. For now, this is only achievable by a rotation of the presidency. You can also call this periodic power shifts,” Kazeem said.