A non-partisan, non-religious and non-governmental group, One Accord Against Racism and Tribalism in our Society (AARTS), has said the unity, peace and progress of Nigeria as a nation is on a keg of gunpowder if the recent threat on a section of the country by the Coalition of Arewa Youth Groups is not given serious national attention.
The group, in a statement signed by its President at the weekend in Uyo, Rev. Bassey Arikpo Ahama, urged political stakeholders in the country not to politicize the issue and called on different tribes and ethnic groups in the country to exude high level of tolerance to ensure peaceful co-existence, unity and harmony.
AARTS, whose aim is to promote unity, peaceful coexistence and eradicate tribal/ethnic sentiments in our society, said “the ultimatum issued by the Arewa Youth groups calling for all Easterners to leave Northern Nigeria by October 1 is highly condemnable. That it followed a sit-down-strike observed in the five Eastern States on May 30, purportedly meant to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Biafra, is not excuse. It threatens the security, unity, peace and progress of Nigeria. As a body, we are heartened by reactions of leaders from all over the country condemning this act. We ask that more effort should be put.”
“We call for tolerance and a high level of togetherness in transparency to address the concerns of all the citizens and geopolitical zones in a peaceful manner. We appeal that it be done in such a way that no one is left behind in the quest for sustainable development. Stakeholders, particularly, cultural and religious leaders must play their part in guiding the youth to settle differences peacefully,” the statement stated.
The statement further said, “As a non-partisan, non-governmental and non-religious group, we owe Nigeria and every citizen a duty to contribute our quota by seeing to its unity and progress. Nigeria belongs to all of us. We must join hands and keep it united.”
AARTS, which said the best solution to Nigeria’s problem was attitudinal change, said “It is, therefore, our wish, as much as we implore all Nigerians, to stand for Progress; Prosperity; Peace; Unity; Justice; Equity, and Love.”
“We commend the federal and State Governments, youth and civil society groups; religious and cultural leaders; and security agencies for their unrelenting efforts to promote peace, unity and build an enduring democracy.”
The statement ended by saying “Nigeria is a great nation with immense potential to build the welfare of its citizens and lead Africa in meeting the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal. This can only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace, unity and rule of law where all citizens coexist happily irrespective of their ethnic or religious leanings.
NIGERIA’S UNITY, PEACE ON A KEG OF GUNPOWDER – AARTS
