Sultan, Fayemi, other eminent Nigerians converge on Abuja for ‘national unity summit’

*Organisers of the summit say the forum is borne out of the ‘increasing irredentism and hate-crimes across the country, which appear to be fanned by rising intolerance, nepotism, and mutual suspicion across the nation’s social and political space’

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

The National Prosperity Movement (NPM), a national sociopolitical group, is organising a national unity summit in Abuja, FCT.

The organisers said the forum, which will provide a platform for illustrious Nigerians from all walks of life, represents diverse interests and groups to have a meaningful conversation on the themes of peace, unity, equity and nation-building.

The NPM said the summit with the theme, “The Imperative of Unity”, holds Wednesday, December 1, 2021, at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja, at  10.am prompt.

Mr. Julius Ogunro, Director of Research and Strategy of NPM, in a press statement issued Tuesday, November 23, 2021, said the organisers of the summit said it would also provide new perspectives to the issues of equity, inclusion and economic prosperity for Nigerians and in the end, stimulate the process of national healing, understanding and progress.

Hon. Ahmad Sajoh, Director-General of NPM: “We believe that we can have a productive dialogue about these emotive issues in a rational manner, devoid of the counter-accusations that have lately characterised national conversations, and yet arrive at the need for unity and belief in the future prospect of our country.

“This summit is expedient at this time when there is increasing irredentism and hate-crimes across the country, which appear to be fanned by rising intolerance, nepotism, and mutual suspicion across the nation’s social and political space

The statement also said Hon. Sajoh noted: “We cannot have too much of dialogue when peace and national interests are at stake.

“We can begin the process of healing and national reconciliation by understanding our fears and concerns, and then work towards addressing these issues in a calm and rational manner.”

Ogunro further stated that dignitaries expected at the event include respected elder statesman and retired General, IBM Haruna, who is to Chairman of the event; Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum and Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Chairman of Southern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ondo State, H.E. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu; Chairman of Northern Governors’ Forum, H.E. Simon Lalong; Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State and Governor Sani Bello of Niger State.

Others include the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, Prof. Attahiru Jega, former Chairman of INEC, who is to deliver the keynote address, and Prof. Doyin Salami, Chairman of the Presidential Economic Council, are also expected to attend the summit.