Minister of Agriculture, Mr Audu Ogbeh has identified the state of the economy as the root cause of the tensions in several parts of the country.
Mr Ogbeh who was a guest on TVC’s flagship morning program, ‘TVC Breakfast’ on Thursday, said until the Nigerian economy is improved, agitations and dissatisfaction in many parts of the country will continue.
“The fundamental problem is the economy, unless and until the economy grows, tensions will continue to manifest,” he stated.
The Minister was reacting to heightened calls for secession and outright restructuring of the country following the quit notice given to Igbos by Arewa youths in Kaduna state.
He said that the Arewa youths have no mandate to issue a “political fatua” and that “nobody has the right to tell anyone to pack from one part of the country to the other.”
Mr Ogbeh however cautioned that the demand for Biafra and the campaign for secession is a treasonable offense under the laws of Nigeria.
“Both the agitators for Biafra and Arewa youths are wrong in the position they are taking.
“Nigerians must recognise that when wrong is being carried out, we must recognise it and not play the ostrich,” the Minister noted.
“I was around during the civil war, and I don’t want to see another one,” he added.
Watch the full interview below :
Written and produced by Wale Fakile.
