* Seek peaceful co-existence
The President of Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF), Alhaji Shettima Yerima, has tendered an apology to Ndigbo over the quit notice they issued to all Igbo resident in the Northern part of the country to leave.
Yerima reportedly tendered the apology when he led a group of Northern youth leaders on a visit to Mr. Ralph Uwazuruike, leader of Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and Biafran Independent Movement (BIM) in Owerri on Friday.
Yerima said he came to sue for peace among the Igbo and Northerners, so that the two tribes can live in harmony anywhere in the country. Yerima said the group regretted the inconveniences the order caused the Igbo living in the North during the period.
He, however, revealed that the intention of the quit notice was to expose corrupt leaders, and not to instigate mistrust among the two ethnic groups.
Yerima said henceforth, AYCF would protect the interest and security of Ndigbo in the North.
“Some elements are working against the unity of Igbo in the North, that is why we issued the quit order, but now we want to prove to the world that the two ethnic nationalities are still together.
“I came to preach peace and unity and peaceful coexistence between the Igbo and Northerners because we see everybody in the country as one.
“Our earlier position on Igbo in the North is regretted; we are suing for peace that will usher in peaceful coexistence and guarantee security of Igbo in the North.
His host, Uwazuruike, in his speech commended Yerima for the bold step he took to sue for peace.
The activist said he would ensure that Northerners are not harassed or intimidated in Imo State, and warned that any attack on the Northerners in Imo State will be repelled.