Eminent Nigerians, senior citizens, leaders of geopolitical zones and ethnic nationalities, including former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III; Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmed Gumi and Alhaji Murtala Aliyu, secretary general, Arewa, have identified key areas of the country’s national life that must be urgently addressed to douse the socio-political and economic challenges as well as the separatist and self-determination agitations in the country.
Their observations are contained in a communiqué issued after an open dialogue meeting held physically in Abuja and virtually across the world on December 13. The meeting convened by Vision Africa (VA) and the Global Peace Foundation (GPF), a safe, non-judgemental and non-hypocritical platform aimed to bridge the gap across ideological, political, ethnic, religious and cultural divides, was a strategy to understand the conflict dynamics in Nigeria and chart a path to peace and integral security in the country.
It also seeks to usher in an increased understanding of the root of conflict and violence affecting Nigeria, increase positive relationship between the Nigerian government and various agitating groups across the country and focus on the importance of universal principles and shared values as the glue for social cohesion and sustainable peace.
The meeting listed the 1999 Constitution, which was described as ‘Oligo-military in nature’ and not representing the collective interest of Nigerians; social injustice and a failed economy, which has led to high prevalence of insecurity and neglect of oil exploration communities and minorities, as some of the key issues that deepen the threat to the nation’s security and unity.
It said: “The 1999 Constitution does not embody the principles of justice, fairness and equality on which every democracy is founded. Thus, it does not fully protect the rights and interests of Nigeria’s diverse constituencies. We call on the government to begin a process of constitution review, amend and rework the constitution, drawing on our previous constitutions, amongst other things, to synchronise/harmonise the laudable principles they embody.
“This will ensure, not one-off solutions, but lasting change. Government at all levels must revisit and show sincere effort at understanding the core issues of dissidence and self-determination in Nigeria rather than incarceration, bullets and counter-attacks as government’s response to agitations and unrest. The dialogue revealed that even in our divergence, there exists an area of convergence. We, therefore, commit to keeping the conversation room open for further dialogue so as to address and resolve the common challenge that is deepening this divide.”
The meeting, a sequel to an earlier ‘Inclusive Security Dialogue Retreat’ held at the Airlie Conference Centre in Warrenton, Washington DC, USA, in October 2021, noted that national development cannot be achieved without focus on youths and the education sector, and an intentional inter-generational collaboration between the elite and the youths.
It charged religious and traditional rulers to put an end to all manner of incitement, misrepresentation and distortions of neighbours but rather to explore the country’s diversity to discover what is best for Nigeria.
“National development without a focus on youths and the education sector…
