Only justice can douse secession agitations, say CAN, others

Prominent Nigerians, yesterday, said only justice, mutual respect and fair-play could douse the agitations for secession in the country.

The prominent Nigerians include: President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Dr. Samson Ayokunle; the immediate past Vice Chancellor, Ajayi Crowther University, Prof. Dapo Asaju; and founder of Victory International Church, Rehoboth Cathedral, Ibadan, Bishop Victor Taiwo Adelakun.

The Nigerians, who spoke during the activities marking the 58th birthday of Bishop Adelakun, said that one Nigeria could be achieved when the issues of injustice and other ills bedeviling the country were addressed.

Ayokunle said: “If there is going to be one Nigeria, there must be justice, mutual respect and fair-play. I cannot live in hope where hope will not materialise. Justice, mutual respect and fair-play remain the panacea to the situation of the country.

“Why do people listen to Sunday ‘Igboho’? The present situation has given room for that. He is popular because of how things have gone. When you are frustrated, you can be aggressive as you thought you could never be.”

Asaju, who is also a professor of Theology, spoke on the theme: “Nigeria: A Nation In Need Of Redefinition.” He said: “There have been calls for secession by one part or another from the Nigerian nation. This is not advisable at this time to be pursued by confrontation.

“Those who clamour for secession should ask themselves that if we break up, do we have good leaders to govern possible emerging nations from Nigeria?

“The system has collapsed. We should come together to salvage the situation. This country can be better. Secession is not the answer. There is no need for war. “

On his part, Adelakun said: “Agitations for breakup is a wake-up call to those at the helm of affairs.

“The problems and agitations going on have the root cause in injustice, insecurity and oppression. If we can address these root causes, we can douse the tension. There can’t be peace without justice. There is lopsidedness in the appointment.

“The constitution has to be reviewed or replaced. If Nigeria is a Federal Republic, it cannot be run like a unitary system.

“The way out is to redefine our nation. We need to go back to the foundation and redefine ourselves as a nation.”