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| Governor Bello Matawalle, Zamfara State |
The National Publicity Secretary of Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, Hon. Ken Robinson, has said Nigerians should expect surprises amid escalating tensions between the north and southern parts of the country.
The group which disclosed this in response to statement by Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State, where he threatened reprisal attacks against southerners and their interests in the Northern part of the country over alleged continued killings and attacks on the interests of Northerners in the southern part of the country, said the current state of affairs in the country, means no one knows what would happen next.
"Nigeria is on the edge of a precipice, no one can tell what will come next," Robinson said in a statement.
“It is rather most unfortunate and that the governor of Zamfara State, Mr Matawalle, would make such an irresponsible statement.
“We’ll ignore that of northern elders because the nation is used to their unguarded utterances but for a governor to make such a reckless declaration is completely preposterous.
“And it conveys how awful the nation’s political leadership has deteriorated, where self-seekers are thrust into hallowed positions, instead of patriots who would pursue national concord, particularly, at a moment like this when the country is facing daunting socio-economic challenges.
“By the reported statement, Governor Matawalle has shown himself as an enemy of peace, for reasons best known to him and his co-travellers.
"What is expected of leaders across the country now, especially, the elite, is to rise to the occasion and build bridges of understanding, and not to reduce themselves to ‘local wildcats,’ fanning the embers of discord and hatred, to aggravate the already precarious situation.
“Let it be known to Governor Matawalle and his likes that no section of this country can arrogate to itself monopoly of violence,” the PANDEF’s scribe warned.
The Arewa Consultative Forum had raise alarm following its National Executive Council meeting (NEC) on Thursday in Kaduna, that northern youths are already mobilizing themselves via messages on social media, to stage reprisal attacks on igbos and their businesses in the region, but warned them to 'stop such evil plans.'
“We warn our youths who have suddenly started distributing messages on the social media calling on reprisal attacks on Ibos and their business interests in the north.
“We the Arewa Consultative Forum stand against all lawless acts of self help and call on all northern youths to stop such evil plans,” the forum said in a statement.