SNC ‘ll fortify Nigerian unity – Adichie

[MrVan]

By CHINENYEH OZOR

Nsukka— Nigerian's first professor of statistics, Prof. James Adichie, yesterday described Sovereign National Conference as the only way unity of the country could be fortified.

Prof Adichie disclosed this to Vanguard in an interview at his Nsukka residence, explaining that instead of splitting the country, Sovereign National Conference would definitely strengthen the bond of Nigerian unity and wondered why some people were opposed to it.

He said: "Sovereign National Conference will address the inequalities and inbalances.  As soon as this is done, every component part of the country will feel better and things will begin to move in the right direction."

He noted that those opposed to SNC were doing so for selfish reasons and merely protecting their selfish interests, stressing that Sovereign National Conference will tackle marginalization in all facets of the country's socio-political and economic life.

He added that it would also ensure that citizens were treated equally, irrespective of ethnic and political affiliations or religious denomination.

Prof. Adichie noted that South-East geo-political zone was being marginalized in terms of balance in the number of states, spread of federal appointments and distribution of democracy dividend, citing the

quality of roads in the northern part of the country, compared to what was obtainable in the South –East, South West and South-South zones.

He urged the mass media to continue to speak out against the injustices in Nigeria, no matter who might be harmed, stressing that Nigerians must not be apathetic about their welfare.

He also said that sovereign national conference will provide forum for ventilation of bottled up auger by citizens and groups that feel maltreated, saying that Ndigbo should come out of their shells and speak out to regain their pride of place in Nigeria.

Vanguard Nigeria