The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum( AYCF) has condemned the violent clash in Shasha, Ibadan while demanding compensation for the victims of the violent clashes in Ibadan, Oyo state and other parts of Southwest.
The AYCF, in the statement signed by its President, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, on Sunday said the group condemns in totality the violence, killings and arson in Ibadan but noted that it was improper to punish the innocent majority because of the sins of a few criminals.
“Much as we condemn all crimes and criminals themselves, we cannot fathom why the action of a criminal should justify any form of physical attack on the majority innocent citizens and their assets in any part of this country.
“The group revealed its demand from the governors of the South West, notably the Governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde, to ensure that compensation is paid to the families of those killed and the survivors of the violent attacks.
“All Nigerians are living witnesses to the role of the Northern political elite in stabilizing the nation, using the democratic system of supporting the emergence of Presidents outside the North. Our philosophy of self-denial does not mean, we are not aware of our political strength.
“When the South West cried of marginalization over the annulment of June 12 polls, which the late MKO Abiola was said to have won fair and square, the North rallied behind the South West, by giving their massive votes to Chief Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999 and he served for eight years.
“The emergence of another President from the North, the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua was short lived but the Northern Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) joined hands with Southern progressives to form the Save Nigeria Group (SNG) that helped paved the way for President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan from the South to continue as the nation’s leader.
“So, the North’s large heart in giving its total support for the emergence of political leadership outside the North should not be mistaken for weakness. We cannot be stampeded into surrendering power just because of one man’s blackmail to fuel his 2023 political ambition.
“The North is never such a weakling and let it be known that Northerners did their best in supporting the emergence of presidents from outside the region not because of political blackmail or ethno-regional profiling,” the group added.
