By Racheal Najin Babatunde
The Coalition of Nigerian Youths for Peace and National Unity (CONYPNU) has issued a compelling appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to take immediate action to address the escalating tensions between citizens from Northern and Southern Nigeria. This call to action was made during a press conference held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, in Abuja, as the group warned that inaction could lead to widespread violence reminiscent of the Nigerian Civil War.
The CONYPNU highlighted recent incidents that have exposed deep fractures in national unity, including the extrajudicial killing of 16 northern youths in Uromi, Edo State, and the tragic murder of Deborah Samuel, a Christian student in Sokoto State. The Uromi killings reignited old grievances and fueled calls for reprisals, posing a significant threat to national cohesion.
The CONYPNU identified several historical grievances as root causes of the current tensions:
Colonial Legacy: The amalgamation of Northern and Southern Nigeria in 1914 ignored ethnic and religious boundaries, creating persistent divisions.
Post-Independence Inequalities: Unequal resource distribution and marginalization of certain regions have deepened mistrust among communities.
Recurring Ethno-Religious Violence: Decades of sectarian clashes have resulted in thousands of deaths and displacement, with little accountability or justice.
To counter the exploitation of ethnic and religious differences by political elites, the CONYPNU proposed:
Constitutional Reforms: Amendments to ensure equitable political representation across all regions.
Accountability Mechanisms: Holding politicians accountable for divisive rhetoric and actions that exacerbate tensions.
Recognizing economic disparities as a major driver of conflict, the CONYPNU suggested:
Targeted Investments: Increased funding for education, infrastructure, and job creation in marginalized regions.
Equitable Resource Distribution: Policies ensuring fair allocation of national wealth to reduce poverty and unemployment.
To bridge religious divides, the coalition advocated for:
Strengthening NIREC: Enhancing the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council to facilitate dialogue between faith groups.
Community-Based Programs: Initiatives promoting mutual understanding through cultural exchange and joint community projects.
The CONYPNU emphasized the importance of traditional leaders in peacebuilding efforts:
Grassroots Mediation: Leveraging traditional conflict-resolution methods to rebuild trust within communities.
Collaborative Frameworks: Partnering with local leaders to address disputes over land rights and political representation.
The National Coordinator of CONYPNU, Chief Precious Enebuse, underscored that the press conference served as a wake-up call for all stakeholders to take decisive steps toward resolving ethno-religious tensions.
He recommended that, “By addressing historical grievances, fostering dialogue, promoting equitable development, and empowering local leaders, Nigeria can leverage its diversity as a source of strength rather than division. “Achieving unity,” he said, “requires prioritizing justice, mutual understanding, and inclusivity over sectional interests.”
