COMMUNIQUE AT THE END OF AN INTERFACE BETWEEN THE COALITION OF NORTHERN GROUPS AND LEADERS OF IGBO COMMUNITY OF NORTHERN NIGERIA
November 14, 2020

In furtherance of the meeting between the Coalition of Northern Groups and the Igbo traditional, cultural, and community leaders of northern Nigeria started about three years ago, the two parties met again in Abuja and discussed vital national issues and took fareaching decisions.

OBSERVATIONS

That the past cannot be entirely remedied, but a future can be built on a strong foundation that benefits from a flawed past if we look ahead, and be conscious of the present, and draw inspiration from the fact that we, and only we, can make the Nigeria better or worth.

That threats and conflicts have very little utility value; we must therefore work to replace vested interests that think power is an end in itself; and sowing seeds of division and leaving everyone more insecure than they were.

That no one wins a religious or ethnic war; no ethnic group can dominate another forever; and no benefit comes from fights and conflicts.

The need to work to build a nation where every Nigerian is safe and secure wherever he choses to live and work in Nigeria, and support other Nigerians to benefit from mutual tolerance and accommodation if they show appropriate respect for the context of their livelihoods.

That with an improved trust and sustained cooperation among all regions, sections and faith, Nigeria will overcome its current challenges.

RESOLUTIONS

In the light of the above observations, the meeting unanimously:

1. Condemned in totality, the undue advantage taken by miscreants to turn the otherwise legitimate protests against SARS into mayhem in some parts of the country.

2. Specifically disagreed with the role played by Nnamdi Kanu during the #endSARS protests.

3. To speak up for the rights of all Nigerians to be protected from illegal harassment where they earn their living; their rights to places of worship consistent with their means and the elements of justice; and their rights to full protection when they live as minorities among other communities.

4. To resist the temptation to live in perpetual blame of one section or another, one tribe or another, and one religious creed or another.

5. Agreed that the passing generations have failed us, and to use this regional cooperation to ensure that we do not fail the next generation by working for an inclusive society that provides at least the most minimal of equal opportunities for all Nigerians.

6. To remain vigilant over the direction and fate of our nation, Nigeria, as major stakeholders in whatever happens in and to Nigeria, but our position on how the nation operates must be informed by enhanced national unity and greater inter regional cooperation.

7. Condemn all manifestations of insecurity anywhere in Nigeria and urge government to live up to its responsibility of securing the lives and properties of all citizens.

8. To foster greater cooperation that would ensure that no region or ethnic group is turned into marginal elements in all calculations on the future of our nation.

9. To set up a consolidation committee to design a framework for the sustenance of this initiative and foster understanding for the political and economic future of nation.

10. That further and wider engagements be embarked on with critical stakeholders from the south east and the north including state governors, all segments of cultural, religious and civil society.
    SIGNED

11. Abdul-Azeez Suleiman
    CNG SPOKESPERSON

12. Comrade Auston O. Ifedinezi
    SECRETARY IGBO DELEGATES ASSEMBLY

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