By Akinwale Kasali
A Group, Nigerian Working Group on Peace Building and Conflict Prevention, has warned President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action to prevent the nation from descending into widespread violence and chaos.
The Group said it is necessary for President Tinubu to address key national issues that call for urgent attention and prevent anarchy.
In a statement signed by several coordinators of the group, including Adewale Adeoye (National Coordinator), Taiwo Adeleye (South-West), Werinipre Digifa (South-South), Abuka Onalo Omobaba (Middle-Belt), Kudu Abubakar (North-West), Fred Onijika (South-East), and Lawan Idris (North-East), the Group expressed deep concern over the ongoing economic and social crises in Nigeria, which they say are driving citizens to the brink, and threatening the country’s sustainable development.
The statement reads: “While the Government is focused on addressing the aftermath of the ENDSARS protests, it must also recognize the possibility of these protests reoccurring if the authorities fail to fulfill their obligations to the people”.
The group also highlighted three major issues plaguing Nigeria: •The unresolved “national question that leaves the concept of national interest undefined •Pervasive corruption at all levels of society.
- A complete breakdown of trust among citizens in both public and private spheres.
These three challenges, the group emphasized, “are at the core of the insecurity, ethnic violence, and armed rebellions currently ravaging parts of the country.”
The Working Group further stressed the crisis of ethnic identity, exacerbated by the fierce competition for resources, as a significant driver of internal strife. They pointed out that the struggle for control among major ethnic groups and the resulting marginalization of minorities have fueled discontent and unrest across Nigeria.
“Appointing individuals from ethnic minorities to positions of power does not automatically resolve the deep-seated injustices these groups have endured for decades. The creation of new states alone has not been sufficient to address these historical grievances,” the statement continued.
The group called on the Federal Government to address the fears and aspirations of Nigeria’s diverse ethnic nationalities through a “new, people-driven constitution” that ensures ethnic minorities are recognized as genuine stakeholders in the nation’s future.
The group criticized the ongoing distribution of palliatives, arguing that the practice is exacerbating food scarcity and driving inflation due to bulk purchases by the government.
“The funds currently allocated for palliatives should be redirected toward agricultural investment,” the group suggested. “Had the government initiated this agro-investment eight months ago, Nigeria would now be experiencing a food surplus.”
It further argued that palliatives only provide temporary relief to a small segment of the population without addressing the underlying need for job creation and real economic growth, which are essential for the country’s long-term stability.
