Biafra not solution to Igbo problems, says Opadokun

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December 18, 2015

    

Nnamdi Kanu

Toluwani Eniola

The Convener of the Coalition of Democrats for Electoral Reforms, Chief Ayo Opadokun, says the creation of a Biafran state is not the solution to the alleged marginalisation of the Igbo people.

Opadokun said marginalisation was a national problem and therefore appealed to Igbo leaders to agitate for true federalism and support President Muhammadu Buhari.

Speaking in an interview with our correspondent on Wednesday, the activist said the failures of former presidents, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, during their tenure, justify a stop to ethnic sentiments in governance in the country.

Opadokun said while Obasanjo did not add any value to the Yoruba race during his tenure, Jonathan failed to deliver his people in the Niger Delta from poverty.

He said it was unfortunate that whenever the law is about to take its course in the country, those involved would be complaining of witch-hunt.

The activist, therefore, called on Yoruba and Igbo leaders to focus on how to restructure the current lopsided nature of Nigeria’s federal structure and stop whipping ethnic sentiments over national resources.

Opadokun said, “Obasanjo was President for eight years; what did the Yoruba people benefit from him? How many roads were built in the South-West? What exactly can you say that Jonathan did for his people in the Niger Delta? I say this with all sense of justice, not until we end ethnic sentiments and focus on how to achieve true federalism, we will never move forward as a people. This is why we must fight for true federalism

“What the Igbo people are agitating for is a national problem. Young Niger Delta people are complaining of the same issue. I have been involved in reconciliation efforts between the Yoruba and the Igbo race and so far, what we need is good leadership and how to achieve true federalism.”

Opadokun also expressed confidence in President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption war.

He said he was confident that the anti-graft war would not leave out any political figure.

He said, “President Buhari’s anti-corruption war, no doubt, would be explorative and comprehensive. The President is an acknowledged man of integrity who will not compromise his stand on corruption.

“I am persuaded that being a stickler for the rule of law as propounded by A.V Dicey, the President will not pander to public sentiments. Justice must take its course and prevail.”