A Call For Referendum and Reactions

Reactions trailed the call by the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) for a referendum to determine the future of the country, as minority ethnic groups have

voiced support for the call as well as the convocation of the Sovereign National Conference (SNC).

Some Igbo and Yoruba had earlier backed the call, describing it as the best thing to happen to the country if done by the Federal Government.

Reacting to the call, the Association of Middle Belt Ethnic Nationalities (ASOMBEN) said holding a referendum would help in re-negotiating the country with a caveat that the modalities for such should be carried out by the international community.

Speaking to Sunday Tribune, president of ASOMBEN, Sule Kwasau, said holding a plebiscite was long overdue, especially in view of the prevailing situations and in order to avoid “a pending anarchy.”

He pointed out that the people of the Middle Belt are not afraid to discuss the future of Nigeria, adding that it was what the minority groups in the country have been clamouring for over the years.

“It will help in renegotiating the basis of our existence. We have the right to say we want to go with the far North or we want to remain in the country. I am happy to hear that the secretary of the ACF is not opposed to it.

“So, if the ACF now said they want us to discuss the basis of our unity, I think it is a welcome development. We would support it wholeheartedly so long the modalities are going to be organised by the international community. We have no fear at all.