The Oodua Peoples Congress(OPC) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to return Nigeria to regionalism before the 2023 elections.
The Yoruba socio cultural group made the charge Tuesday in a Communique issued at the end of its first meeting in the year held at the group’s Secretariat (Oodua House) in Lagos, and signed by its General Secretary, Barrister Babajide Tanimowo.
Expressing worry at the present security situation in Nigeria, OPC also urged President Buhari to use the remaining months of his eight-year administration to solve the problem associated with rising insecurity, as well as the failing structure of the country.
The OPC, however,applauded the Federal Government for declaring bandits a terrorist group just as it called on president Muhammadu Buhari to expose the sponsors of the bandits as a way to unravel the mystery behind the rising spate of insecurity in the country.
“This is the most critical moment of Buhari’s administration,where he needs to be honest with himself, especially,on issues of insecurity and the failing structure of this country”
“Whether you call it restructuring or regionalism, certain decisions must be made in order to save Nigeria from this misdirection. That is why it is key and expedient for president Muhammadu Buhari to return Nigeria to regionalism before the 2023 elections”
The group also sounded a note of warning to initiators of a purported mega accord of 57 socio-cultural groups and organisations backing pro restructuring southwest presidency,insisting that OPC under the leadership of Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams was not in an accord with any group, saying the group will not allow any group or association to use its name for political reasons.
“We have made our position known in the media that we are not in any accord with any group for any reasons, however, we will not take it lightly with any individual or group that uses OPC’s name for political purposes as the 2023 elections draw nearer”
While urging all the southwest governors to synergise and give the Southwest Security Network better known as Operation Amotekun the necessary support, OPC reiterated its support for Amotekun, including Southwest Security Stakeholders Group(SSSG) and other local security outfits in the region, adding that the security of the southwest is key to the progress of the region.
OPC, while expressing concern at the deaths of five prominent Yoruba monarchs within a month,said there is urgent need for prayer and spiritual guidance,even as it said there is need for peace and unity to reign among the monarchs.The group also promised to preserve the sanctity of the traditional institution across the region.
