- Falae says the solution is implementation of the provisions of the 2014 national conference
- The Yoruba elder says the document created from that conference is the best way to tackle Nigeria's problems
- Falae says despite his controversial submissions on Nigeria's unity , he is however not in support of secession
Former secretary to the government of the federation during the Babangida military administration and national chairman of Social Democratic Party (SDP) Chief Olu Falae has said Nigeria’s problem must immediately be resolved.
Falae said this while speaking on the state of the nation and solution to the current agitations across the country in an interview with Nigerian Tribune which was published over the weekend.
He said: “The recent noise we are hearing is a symptom that the basic problem of Nigeria is rearing its ugly head again. Nigerians like to pretend that things are okay when they are not.
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“The fundamental problem is that of an unjust, distorted federation which has been manipulated to favour one section against the other. There is no way such an unjust arrangement can endure or generate peace and stability. It is not possible.
“In 2014, after a lot deferring and hesitation, the former President Goodluck Jonathan finally convened the 2014 National Conference, there were various predictions that it would achieve nothing or that it would break up in confusion and that there would be riot or that there would be fight. But none of the above happened. It was as if God himself started to have a hand in the affairs of Nigeria.”
Speaking further, Falae said: “But the answer is not for Arewa to expel the Igbo or the Igbo to say they are walking away. The answer is: let us implement this rescue document. The Fulani herdsmen issue is addressed in the report. 80-90 per cent of our problems will be resolved if we implement this document.
“Anybody who thinks that Nigeria can stay the way it is either a fool or an enemy of Nigeria. I don’t think it’s possible or desirable to seek to keep Nigeria the way it is.
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At the same time, I think it’s undesirable or unnecessary for anybody to contemplate secession. What is desirable and feasible or what should happen is the implementation of the report of the 2014 conference.
“We must go back to that covenant we negotiated with and obtained from the British at independence. It was the throwing away of that covenant that has caused permanent instability.”
NAIJ.com had earlier reported that the farm of Falae was invaded by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Kajola Village, in the Akure north local government area of Ondo state.
The herdsmen numbering about 10 opened also fire on some riot policemen who were deployed in the farm on the order of the commissioner of police in the state, Mrs. Hilda Harrison following the invasion.
Watch this NAIJ.com TV video of acting president Yemi Osinbajo speaking on why Nigeria should remain one
