A coalition of young leaders, united under the Ethnic Youth Leaders for Peace (EYLP), has expressed strong support for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s appeal for a political approach to resolving the ongoing trial of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu. The group emphasized that Atiku’s stance stems from a sincere commitment to fostering national harmony and unity.
In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja by EYLP’s National Coordinator, Rilwan Mohammed Tukur, the coalition criticized remarks made by Murtala Gamji, head of the Northern Nigeria Youth Leaders Forum, who accused Atiku of exploiting Kanu’s case for political gain and warned that such comments could ignite unrest across the nation.
Responding promptly, Tukur dismissed Gamji’s allegations as a misinterpretation of Atiku’s genuine intentions, clarifying that the former Vice President’s involvement is motivated solely by a desire to promote peace and stability rather than personal or political advantage.
“Atiku’s interest lies purely in ensuring peace and cohesion within Nigeria,” Tukur affirmed. “As a seasoned statesman, he consistently champions initiatives that unite the country.”
The EYLP highlighted that certain legal disputes in Nigeria necessitate political interventions to safeguard national unity, drawing on historical examples to support their argument.
“Contrary to Gamji’s flawed perspective on Nigeria’s challenges, some legal conflicts demand political resolutions to maintain peace and order,” the statement explained.
“Recall how the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua addressed the Niger Delta crisis-not through prolonged litigation but via political dialogue. The region enjoys relative calm today because Yar’Adua opted for negotiation, releasing detained militants and granting amnesty.”
The coalition also pointed out Gamji’s inconsistency, noting his silence during previous non-judicial peace initiatives by former administrations.
“Has the Northern Youth Leaders Forum forgotten past events so quickly?” Tukur questioned. “Where was their outcry when 400 Boko Haram members were freed and integrated into the federal government’s deradicalization and rehabilitation program? That initiative, under former President Buhari, was a non-legal, non-military strategy to combat Boko Haram. Why did Murtala Gamji remain silent then?”
He further referenced recent peace talks between Katsina State officials and bandit groups, underscoring that efforts toward peace should be consistent and inclusive.
“Katsina State recently engaged in dialogue with bandits terrorizing local communities, recognizing that military action alone cannot resolve all conflicts. Why has Murtala Gamji not criticized these peace negotiations?”
The EYLP stressed that singling out the IPOB issue from other security challenges would be unfair and counterproductive.
“No security concern should be treated in isolation, as all pose threats to Nigeria’s stability. The IPOB agitation is as critical as any other security challenge facing the nation,” the group asserted.
They reaffirmed that Atiku’s call for Kanu’s release aligns with his longstanding advocacy for peace.
“It is unjust to condemn Atiku for advocating the release of Nnamdi Kanu as part of a political solution to the IPOB crisis,” Tukur stated.
“We cannot ignore that IPOB represents a national issue requiring swift political engagement rather than protracted legal battles. Atiku’s sole aim is to ease tensions in the South East through dialogue, rather than perpetuating court proceedings that only fuel resentment among IPOB supporters.”
In conclusion, the EYLP reiterated that Atiku’s position exemplifies his dedication to statesmanship and peacebuilding.
“True to his role as a statesman, Atiku will always endorse initiatives that promote peace and stability across Nigeria,” the statement concluded.
