Insecurity: NEF, Ohaneze strategise on northerners, southerners’ safety

The Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF) and Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide have met to deliberate on the safety of Northerners living in the South-east and Igbo people living in the North.

In a communiqué jointly signed by the acting convener of Northern Elders’ Forum, Ambassador Yahaya Kwande and the president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Ambassador Prof. George A. Obiozor, in Abuja Friday, the groups reiterated the need to improve the capacities of security agencies to deal with threats to the country.

The communiqué read in part, “Leaders of Northern Elders Forum and Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide met in Abuja on Wednesday 23rd June, 2021, at Chelsea Hotel, Wuse 2, Abuja.

“The meeting discussed matters around the improvement of security of communities living all over the country. In particular, the matter of security and livelihood of Northerners in the South-east and Igbo people living in the North was discussed. “Other matters related to strengthening the unity of the country and steps which need to be taken to address disaffection with the nature of our federal system and the entrenchment of the values of justice, equity and fairness for all Nigerians into our basic structures, processes and laws were discussed.

“The meeting noted the need to improve the capacities of security agencies to deal with threats to the country. It noted the need for President Buhari to be more open to the legitimate clamor of Nigerians for more substantive changes in the structures of our country.

“The meeting noted that the damage of misperceptions, deliberate misinformation and the alienation of particularly young people from mainstream economic and political activities are feeding restiveness, fear and distances between Nigerian people.

“The meeting noted the value of elites and elders engaging in sincere and constructive activities to build bridges and recover lost ground, which is hurting all Nigerians. It resolved to sustain the gains of the meeting and explore additional opportunities to improve understanding and goodwill between the North and the South-east and all Nigerians.”