The Rebuild Arewa Initiative for Development (RAID), a socio-cultural organization dedicated to fostering peace, unity, and development in Northern Nigeria and across the country, has strongly condemned recent calls for individuals from the South East, particularly the Igbos, to leave the South West region and for Yorubas to exit the South East region.
RAID, in a statement by its Director Strategic Communications and Publicity, Comrade Bitako Abubakar Umar, describes these calls as disheartening and unfortunate, especially during a period when Nigerians are grappling with significant hardships and hunger.
The organization views such divisive rhetoric as contrary to the principles of unity and coexistence that underpin the nation.
Umar said: “The RAID considers this act as quite disheartening and unfortunate for such a divisive call at this trying moment of Nigeria where hardship and hunger alone is hitting hard on Nigerians.
“For us in RAID considers it deeply saddening, worrisome and contrary to the principles of unity and co-existence that binds us as a Nation. Such a call is not only impracticable but divisive and also endangers our peace and security as our constitution guarantees every Nigerian the right to live and work freely anywhere in the country.
“We in RAID urge all Nigerians to stand united against this divisive rhetoric and to champion unity, tolerance and understanding that our future depends on our ability to live and work together harmoniously.”
