Kayode Fayemi, Governor of Ekiti State, has urged secessionist groups to adopt dialogue instead of violence in order to resolve their differences with the Nigerian state and keep the country united.
Governor Fayemi said this at a public lecture to mark the 21st anniversary of the Aminu Kano Centre for Democratic Studies on Saturday.
According to him, the balkanisation of countries into independent nations will not resolve issues concerning marginalisation and identity, noting that countries such as Sudan and Somalia which have seceded have been and still are in turmoil, as well as the breakaway countries – South Sudan and Somaliland.
He stated that secessionist groups should instead be invited for dialogue and persuaded to drop their agitations.
He said: ”United we stand, divided we fall. Countries like United States of America and former Soviet Union were united and that is the basis of their strength and weapon towards its continuous socio-economic development and advancement.
“All the aggrieved secessionist groups should be brought under one umbrella and dialogue, toward an amicable settlement of their differences, so as to remain united and indivisible.”
Governor Fayemi stated that he is an advocate of a united Nigeria, adding that there is a strong tendency that there could be further secessions if the country disintegrates.
