News - Yoruba leaders may sue govt over S’West neglect

[TGD]

 RISING from their meeting in Ikenna, Ogun State Thursday, Yoruba leaders under the aegis of Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF) called on President Goodluck Jonathan to redress the issue of the marginalisation of the South-West in appointments.

The Forum further stressed that failure to address the vexed issue may compel them to seek legal action in line with the provision of the 1999 Constitution on the Federal Character principles.

Speaking at the meeting, Chief Hannah Dideolu Awolowo said it was unfortunate that despite the massive support the South West gave to Jonathan during the 2011polls, they were being neglected in terms of appointments.

According to her, "The South West is too sophisticated for anybody to use and dump like we are witnessing now."

She, however, noted that the President was simply taking advantage of the division among the Yoruba, adding,  "otherwise there is no reason for what is happening."

Speaking in the same vein, Chief Olu Falae said the birth of YUF was the direct consequence of the several failed attempts to reconcile the crises of the past.

According to him, "As long as we are not united, the Federal Government will continue to take us for granted. I am therefore appealing to all Yoruba people to come together under one umbrella for the progress and unity of the region."

 

Speaking on the outcome of a recent meeting by the Forum with the South South and South East under the aegis of the Southern Peoples Assembly (SPA) in Enugu, Senators Femi Okurohunmu and Tony Adefuye, in separate reports, said the parley emphasised the need for a national dialogue.

According to Okunrohunmu, "Although the representatives of the zones have their respective demands but the fact that a national confab is necessary was a common consensus."



The Guardian