Biafra: Buhari can win battle of one Nigeria without using force – Fayose

The governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to adopt more of the carrot and stick approach in dealing with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and other agitating groups rather than the use of brute force.

The governor said he was never against the unity of Nigeria. He therefore advised the Federal Government to take the issue of restructuring seriously, urging Buhari to rule with equity and justice.

Speaking with Punch, Fayose said, “Nobody wants Nigeria to divide. I’m not for division. Nobody is promoting disunity or anarchy. But, the Federal Government should engage in more of dialogue with agitating groups; it should use the carrot and stick approach rather than guns.

“In every family, there are both the good and bad people. Agitation is normal in every society, but the way to go about it is to tread cautiously. Buhari should know that this is not 1984 when the President ruled as a military dictator.

“Using brute or suppressive force is not democratic. Running a democracy should not be by propaganda. Democracy is not autocracy. The issue is beyond IPOB.

“What this government needs to do is to restructure and this matter should not be handled by the APC. It should not be a party affair.

“Having said that, I am not promoting IPOB, but Buhari should lead Nigeria with equity and justice. Let brute force become the last option in matters of agitation. Battles can be won without the use of force.”