Abdulsalam Abubakar reveals those sponsoring Arewa Youths, Nnamdi Kanu’s agitation

The National Peace Committee headed by former Military Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar,(rtd) on Tuesday said politicians who failed to deliver dividends of democracy to their people were behind the clamour for secession of Nigeria.

In a statement issued by its Secretary, Authur-Martins Aginam in Abuja, the committee condemned the rising spate of hate speech and agitation for the breakup of Nigeria, warning that such action was not in the interest of the country and its people.

The statement was co-signed by Abubakar, who is the National Chairman and Bishop Matthew Kukah, the Convener of the group.

The committee, however, observed that the manifestation of rising discontent among the populace was an indication that there was bad governance in Nigeria.

The committee said, “In this regard, the National Peace Committee acknowledges that the drums of rising division also reflect the perceptions by our citizens that there is poor governance in Nigeria today.

“Politicians who have failed in delivering on the mandate of the electorate for better livelihoods and neighbourhoods have, instead, found common cause with advocates of division and hate.

“In many parts of the country, young people who have been left without means of livelihood or hope in their future have become converts to radicalisation preached by demagogues in various guises including ethnicity and religion.”

This is coming against the backdrop of renewed agitation by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu for Nigeria’s breakup and ultimatum issued by Arewa youths, asking Igbos in the North to vacate the region by October 1.