Following recent ultimatum issued to Igbos resident in the Northern part of the country from October 1, by Northern Youths under the aegis of Arewa Youth Forum, the Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to the safety of all Nigerians irrespective of their location.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed made this known to journalists on Wednesday at the State House after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting stressed that Nigerians are free to live anywhere in the country.
He assured that the government had since commenced robust engagement of all stakeholders across the country to ensure that the situation is brought under full control.
He observed that “We want to make comments on what is agitating the minds of Nigerians, that is the call for people from certain parts of the country to relocate to their region, generally very disquieting voices. We just want to assure Nigerians that the federal government is on top of the matter and that yesterday the Acting President addressed leaders from the northern part of the country."
At 4 p.m today (Wednesday), the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo SAN, is going to address leaders from the South Eastern part of the country. On Friday he is going to address south eastern traditional rulers and leaders of thoughts. On the 22nd of June there is going to be a meeting of all the groups that is, traditional rulers, religious leaders and leaders of thoughts from both the South East and North part of Nigeria.
He added that “the idea is not just to assure Nigerians that we are doing something about it but also to give comfort to all Nigerians that this matter is completely under control. To assure Nigerians that any Nigerian anywhere is safe, the security authorities are completely on top of the matter and that they will deal decisively with any group of people whose conduct that is believed is going to create instability in the country."
“So there is no need for anybody to panic, there is no need for anybody to move from any part of the country. The security agencies are on top of the matter and there is no reason for anybody to panic,” he added.
