PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari's spokesman Femi Adesina has attributed the ongoing agitation for the recreation of the defunct republic of Biafra to the fact that some parts of the country are still in pre-election mood.
Over the last month separatists calling for the recreation of Biafra have been organising demonstrations across Igboland, campaigning for secession. Their protests were sparked by the arrest of Radio Biafra director Nnamdi Kanu who was apprehended by security agents following his arrival in Lagos from the UK.
Today, governors from the five southeastern states will be meeting to discuss a way of resolving the crisis that has attracted thousands of Igbo youth. President Buhari has called on all Nigerians to forget the thought of balkanising the country adding that sanctity of the country is non-negotiable.
Responding further to the matter, Mr Adesina added that what is needed is a strategy of reconciliation among political parties and regions. He added that the task, however, is not solely down to the federal government as other parties and regional bodies need to play a part in the process.
Mr Adesina added: "Some parts of the country are still in the pre-election mood, which should not be. Elections are over, a government has been sworn in, so we should team up as Nigerians, reconcile and move our nation forward.
"I believe the region where such is happening, at the end of the day, would hurt itself more, unless the people quickly change their strategy. So it is a collective responsibility of all Nigerians, not just for the federal government."
He added that the government is looking to address the issues of the aspirations of the people through a range of initiatives involving the provision of power, road construction and making infrastructure available. According to Mr Adesina, the war against corruption will also continue to ensure that funds earmarked for projects get used for what they are voted for.