That Timely Engagement by South-east National Assembly Caucus

Elliot Ugochukwu-Uko opines that the resolve of South-east caucus of the National Assembly to engage groups struggling for self-determination from that part of the country is praiseworthy

The steps taken by the Igbo National Assembly members, to engage the agitators and seek political solution to the agitation, is very commendable.
They have done well and therefore should be supported.
Ignoring the agitation, staying aloof and shying away from reality, will never resolve the crisis.
Now that they have stood up to be counted, it is imperative they go the whole hog, and initiate talks with the central government.

It may be time to partner with other regions and articulate the grievances driving the agitation, bring stakeholders together, and sincerely search for a mutual meeting point with the federal authorities.
The delay in doing this over the years, actually hurt early reconciliation and resolution.
Rekindling the search for resolution, peace,harmony and closure, is the way to go.

I therefore call on all and sundry, to join hands and assist in any way they can in the duty of restoring sanity to our land.
It may be important to remind our politicos, that search for a resolution of the matter under the current unitary system is an insincere and unhelpful gambit, as the choking and suffocating unitary structure, is actually at the root of the frustrations fuelling the agitation.
Any search for resolution, that doesn’t include the reconstructuring the polity, may not resolve the loss of faith driving the agitation.

Sincerely facing the truth and commitedly working with others to seek an all encompassing roadmap agreeable to all, should be their guiding compass.
Too much time has been wasted already, many avoidable mistakes made.
The lack of appreciation of the truth, that was responsible for the mishandling of the earlier peace process four years ago, must not be repeated.

I also call on the agitators to humbly cooperate with the peace process. I disagree with those suggesting that the legislators are not sincere.
I believe the legislators are sincere because I know they don’t know an alternative route of escape from the crisis.
There’s no alternative.
There’s no better alternative to
engagement, dialogue, peaceful agreement and closure.
Meanwhile, I commend the Southern Governors Forum for their sagacity and their newfound dedication to the truth and dynamism.
The people are with them and are very proud of their steps so far.
Nigeria needs an overhaul, struggling to avoid the needful overhauling is unintelligent and dangerous.

QUOTE

Any search for resolution, that doesn’t include the reconstructuring the polity, may not resolve the loss of faith driving the agitation. Sincerely facing the truth and commitedly working with others to seek an all encompassing roadmap agreeable to all, should be their guiding compass

*Ugochukwu-Uko is the President of the Igbo Youths Movement