A Non-Government Organisation (NGO), Global Initiative for Good Governance (GIGG) has drummed up support for the return of federal character as the country prepares for general elections in 2023.

Dr. Emeka Kalu, the Coordinator, GIGG, in a statement on Monday said that the only way the country could have cohesion, peace and a guaranteed future is for the government to propagate federal character as entrenched in the constitution.

He lamented that rather for the diverse cultures and languages to strengthen the unity of the country; it is gradually leading to disintegration of Nigeria, majorly because of the action of politicians.

He challenged Nigerian leaders to shun greed and parochialism for the greater good of the entire nation and urged greedy politicians to stay away from the 2023 race to create political sanity and cohesion in the country.

He said: “Nigeria currently operates on six geographical zones, and this must be respected for a stronger and a united Nigeria. I always argued that the North-West, South-West, and South-South have produced individuals and wonderful leaders like Rabiu Kwankwaso, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, Mallam El-Rufai, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Governor Kayode Fayemi, Ahmed Bola Tinubu, Vice President Yemi Osibanjo, Chibuike Amaechi, Godswill Akpabio and Goodluck Jonathan among others and therefore should keep away from this race in order to give an atmosphere of peaceful cohesion.

“If the North-West, South-West, South-South have produced leaders that took shots at this lofty offices, it is sacrosanct that in the spirit of equity, the remaining three regions of South-East, North-East and North-Central be given a shot to help stabilise the already tensed Nigeria polity.

“We have experienced situations where the principle of federal character is eroded with impunity, which has put Nigeria in a precarious state. It is our duty as leaders to work hard to make amends, give everyone a true sense of belonging that will restore confidence in the Nigerian project.”

He appealed to the leading political parties in the country to save Nigeria from total collapse by producing candidates from the other geopolitical zones that are yet to produce a presidency in the 2023 general elections.

https://www.independent.ng/group-canvasses-return-to-federal-character-ahead-2023-elections/

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