…Says Nigeria should remain a federating unit

By Dapo Akinrefon

Yoruba Council of Elders, YCE, on Sunday, opposed the agitation for Yoruba Nation but reiterated commitment to Nigeria’s federalism, saying although each state must function administratively without hindrances.

The group, in a statement, said the strength of the country lies in its diversity, adding that if well-managed, it would be a good thing for the nation.

The socio-cultural organisation stated that Nigeria must remain one, but take a cue from the American arrangement.

The statement reads: “We have perused the document on the position of YSDM on the state of the Nation and their views for the Yoruba race to be separated from Nigeria. The Yoruba Council of Elders remains firm in its position that the entity called and known as Nigeria should remain as one nigeria.

“Accordingly, the YCE has pooled-in all shades of thoughts which shows that majority of the Yoruba Race feel cheated by the present lop-sided arrangement of the federating powers but they are solidly against going away from the Nigerian arrangement. They would rather go back to the agreement of our founding fathers when the Region administration was autonomous.

“YCE therefore stands firmly on the position of the founding Fathers who maintained togetherness but operated independently and contributed their quota to foster administration at the centre. To this extent, we would rather have a restructured Nigeria which will allow states to function independently as part of a whole.

“YCE wants Nigeria to remain one but, like the American arrangement, stay and function administratively devoid of interference by the centre. Let it be known that the strength of the unity lies in the socio-cultural inheritance of each section of the country and these can be deployed through education and efficiency of management. Our great country must rise again and we all will be in it together.”