A former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, says he does not know the so-called the pro-Biafran group, the Biafra Zionist Federation, which named him as the Minister of Aviation, following the self-declaration of the “Republic of Biafra” on August 1, 2017.
Maku, who said this yesterday in Abuja while fielding questions from journalists, stated that he remained a patriotic professional politician who is committed to the unity of Nigeria.
He attributed the rationales behind the call for division and separation to the failure of leadership and the refusal to give equal opportunities to all Nigerians.
He said Nigeria would remain relevant in the global community if it keeps its current population size, stressing that China, the United States of America, Japan, and India others were big players in the comity of nations in terms of politics and economy because of their population size.
“When somebody called that I have been appointed a minister of Biafra. How can somebody associate me with a micro in Nigeria? What does that tell you? It means there is confusion and desperation among the youths. You need to bring the youths together and reassure them that they have a future.
“A federation gives equal opportunities to all its children. We have structural and leadership deficiencies. The problem is lack of justice. So, we need truth to heal our nation. Some of these youths are victims of structural deficiency. When I heard the story of secessionist movement, you will see that these are youths that need counselling. They are victims of the failure of leadership and structural deficiency,” he added.
When asked if he was named a minister for being the chief scribe of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Maku said, “I don’t know them. I’m National Secretary of the APGA. I come from Nasarawa State. No party will be registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) unless its composition has national character. Don’t forget that APGA won election in Abuja and the House of Representatives seat in Nasarawa. So, it’s a national party. I’m not an Igbo man.”
Maku, who advised the youths not to lose hope in the country, said the Goodluck Jonathan 2014 conference should be used as a starting point to address the current challenges.
He said religion should be used as a platform for societal reformation and not a basis for running government and sharing position, warning that societies where religion and tribalism play central role in governance are riddled in crises.
