Ethnic Agitations: Ooni, Religious Leader Proffer Way Forward

By Ayodele Oni

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who is currently celebrating his birthday, has advised the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Government to engage in a round table discussion with all aggrieved sections of the country as a way out of the present agitations.

Towing the way of the Monarch is a religious leader, Bishop Emeka Nwankpa of Faith International Bible Church.

Both leaders spoke at the Palace of the Ife Monarch during an interractive session with newsmen.

The Ooni of Ife who harped on the need for Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic, religious and political colorations to  unite in peace, stated that the issue of insecurity bedeviling the country required a holistic approach so as to address the issue once and for all.

He urged those fanning the embers of disintegration to jettison their thoughts, stressing that Nigeria is better as one, while advising the Federal Government to address issues causing agitations for the sake of peace.

The Ooni also called on the Federal Government to engage all aggrieved groups in the country, pointing out that through dialogue, a lot would be achieved.

On his part, Bishop Nwankpa stressed that Nigeria is better as one indivisible entity.

According to him, engaging all aggrieved groups in the country remains the surest and possible way of addressing the insecurity challenges that is threatening the corporate existence of the nation.

He decried the killings in all the geo-political zones of the country, adding that those perpetrating these crimes are enemies of Nigeria bent on bringing the country to its knees, but expressed hope that President Buhari would find solution to the myriad of challenges facing the country.

Bishop Nwankpa, who is a Chieftain of the All Progressive Congress(APC) from Abia state, appealed to all groups causing unrest in the country to sheath their swords and embrace peace which has no alternative.

He advised President Buhari to open doors for dialogue with a view to galvanizing all aggrieved groups in the country.

The Cleric also used the opportunity to urge the people of Abia to keep hope alive as the state is on the verge of being liberated from bad governance.