The Peoples Democratic Party says it is deeply concerned about the unfolding political events and developments in the South-East and South-South of Nigeria.
The party also stated that it was not comfortable with the methods being applied by President Muhammadu Buhari in handling of restive youths in the two regions and therefore called on the President to dialogue with those agitating under the Biafra movement.
The party said it was concerned that the Federal Government and its agencies had failed to approach the situation with the inclusiveness and seriousness it deserves, but have instead been resorting to the use of security forces.
PDP National Youth Leader, Mr. Abdullahi MaiBasira, said in a statement in Abuja on Saturday, that President Buhari and his party should be held to account for the escalation of the agitation, which he said was threatening the unity and national security interests of Nigeria as an indivisible entity.
He also urged the ruling party to ensure and guarantee an inclusive administration that would promote harmony among all sections of the country.
Maibasira said his party further noted the seemingly lack of any clear-cut policy direction that concerns the development, mainstreaming and inclusion of young people in the country by the Federal Government.
He said, “The fact that none of the President’s ministerial appointees confirmed by Senate is below 40 years also puts to question APC’s belief for the next generation of leaders, mentorship and transfer of responsibility. So far, the resultant effect of this lack of clear-cut policy is the stagnation of the economy and laying-off of thousands of people from their jobs.
“Rather than the use of force as an option which usually fails as a solution in this type of self inflicted socio political problem, President Buhari should as a matter of national interest and practical necessity, make haste to call representatives and leaders of the South-East for discussions before the situation deteriorates.”
He said President Buhari and his party should know that sidelining any section of the country was bound to generate unhealthy relations among all integral parts of the Nigerian people.
He added that cohesion, development, prosperity and unity should be paramount in government policy and warned that unless and until all sections of the country were accommodated, certain sections would experience civil tension and agitations as a means of expressing their discontent.
