President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government has been blamed for the resurgence of militia groups in the South-South and South-East region of the country.

Youths of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, under the aegis of the PDP National Youth Frontiers, (PDPNYF), in a statement on Friday, by its National Coordinator, Usman Okai, frowned at the methods being applied by President Buhari in handling the restiveness of youths, who are agitating under the Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, and Biafran movement, in the South South and South East geo-political zones,

President Buhari
President Buhari
The PDPNYF said it is concerned that the Federal Government and its agencies have failed to approach the restiveness with the inclusiveness and seriousness it deserves, but have instead been resorting to the use of security forces, threat and harassment, adding that it’s unfortunate that President Buhari who has contested for the highest job in the land was never ready for governance.

Okai said: “One person is not a government. It takes a lot of people to form a government to run a country. And for that government to function properly, you need everybody to work in perfect synchronization. But Buhari’s government has adopted his 97 per cent to 5 per cent approaches which is undermining the Federal Character principles, thus undermining the National Unity and posing threat to the mutual existence of Nigeria as a single Federation.”

He said, President Buhari and his party, the All Progressives Congress, should be held liable for the escalation of the militant Groups and Biafra agitation which threatens the unity of the Nation.

The PDPNYF also urged the governing APC to ensure and guarantee an inclusive administration that will promote harmony among all sections of the country.

It further decried the seemingly lack of clear-cut policy direction that concerns the development, mainstreaming and inclusion of young people in the country by the Federal Government, adding that Nigerians are angry with the government as it is unable to live up to it campaigns promises.

“It is also worrisome that the Buhari government has dragged Nigerian Economy into recession due to lack of clear-cut policy direction. Since the APC emerged with majority seats at the National Assembly and States with this their so-called “Change“ mantra, Nigerians have been hit with rapidly declining economic fortunes which have led to massive loss of jobs, free fall of the Naira, massive withdrawals from the Stock market, closure of businesses, unending currency problems, as the Naira continues to plummet. The Fulani herdsmen intimidation and brutality is now the order of the day, as well as insecurity, flagrant disobedience of Court orders, lack of any economic policy or blue-print among others. The PDPNYF thinks this so-called “change“ needs to be changed for us to move forward.”

“Again, 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 South and South East for discussions before the situation deteriorates,” it said.

The Youth group cautioned President Buhari and the APC against sidelining any section of the country, pointing that doing so would generate unhealthy relations among all integral parts of the Nigerian people.

“Peace initiatives should be highlighted and encouraged considering that conflict is an ill wind that does not blow anyone any good. The worst of conflicts have to be resolved one way or the other. The earlier it is resolved the better. The cohesion, development, prosperity and unity should be paramount in government policy and unless and until all sections of the country are accommodated, certain sections will experience civil tension and agitations as a means of expressing their discontent.

“Except the conflict is quickly resolved, it may degenerate into major crisis. However, we appeal to the various groups agitating for one interest or the others to give peace a chance.”