Leading socio-cultural groups representing the North and the Southeast ended a meeting in Enugu yesterday with a resolve to work towards consolidating national unity and dialogue.
The Arewa Consultative Forum and the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, in a joint communiqué, emphasized the imperative of national unity, dialogue and consensus based on the principles of equity, justice and cooperation among the various people of Nigeria. The two-page communiqué was signed by ACF chairman Aliko Mohammed and Ohanaeze president Ralph Uwechue.
But Ohanaeze asked for time to study and respond to certain "vital issues" raised by its northern counterpart during the meeting.
The Igbo leaders said some of the issues were weighty and needed a careful study before a response is prepared for discussion at a future meeting.
Both groups said the meeting, the first of its kind in the current national dispensation, has opened a channel of communication that ought to be maintained for the benefit of the country.
The meeting was attended by senior leaders of the two groups.
On the ACF side, as well chairman Aliko Mohammed, there were also secretary retired Col. Musa Shehu, deputy chairman Saidu Barda, Senator Joseph Waku, retired Major General Lawrence Onoja, Ambassador Adamu Mohammed, Hajiya Halima Alfa, Amina Ladan Baki, Ambassador Ibrahim Mai-Sule and Alhaji Ladan Shuni.
Also in attendance were ACF legal adviser Mr. Bitrus Gada, publicity secretary Anthony Sani, treasurer Ismaila Zarma and Col. Mohamed Abdu.
On the part of Ohaneze, there were former Vice President Alex Ekwueme, former presidents of Ohanaeze Justice Eze Ozobu and Prof. Joe Irukwu, Justice Mbaduike Amaechi, former Ebonyi State governor Sam Egwu, Prof. Uzodinma Nwala and Prof. Obiorah Ike.
Earlier, Mohammed said ACF wanted to reassure Nigerians "especially our brothers, the Igbo, that leaders of the North do not, and will never condone violence, let alone those targeted at specific groups of Nigerians."
He said the violence took the country many years backward since it destroyed whatever assets "we have managed to acquire."
He added: "Igbo people promote the concept and spirit of one nation through their settlement in larger numbers everywhere in Nigeria.
"If, for example, the over one million Igbo that live in Kano State were to leave today, there is no doubt that the economy of Kano would be affected."
In his reaction, the Uwechue said ACF's presentation at the meeting showed that the North still believed in the unity of Nigeria.
"There is a lot in this presentation that shows that the entire and total commitment of the ACF to the unity, peace and survival of Nigeria, and we thank you for that," he said.
Daily Trust