The Lamido of Adamawa, in Adamawa state, Alhaji Mustapha Aliyu, today, floated a kite of secession at the ongoing National Conference in Abuja, against the warning by President Goodluck Jonathan that the issue of oneness of Nigeria is a no-go area.
The Lamido, at today’s sitting of the Conference, threatening to pull his Adamawa people out of Nigeria over what he described as the “behaviour of some elders who claimed to be supporters of President Jonathan.”
The traditional ruler who said he had tried unsuccessfully to speak for three days because he was not given the chance said that the delegates who he refused to mention are putting the nation’s unity at risk with their behaviour.
The Lamido made it clear that his Kingdom transcends Nigeria, stressing that he is ready to pull his people out if the country splits as a result of the action of some people at the conference.
He said if his people are pushed to the wall, they can easily walk out of this country, adding: “jingoism is not the preserve of anyone.
“There is a state in Cameroon called Adamawa and if I run to that place, I can easily assimilate,” said the traditional ruler.
Though some delegates attempted to shout him down with spontaneous shouts of “no, no, no” despite pleas by Justice Idris Kutigi that they should allow him to finish his speech, the traditional ruler continued speaking.
In an obvious reference to controversies that have been raging over whether 75 per cent or 2/3 support of delegates will be needed to ratify a decision, especially when it is impossible to reach a consensus, the monarch said he was surprised at the behaviour of some delegates since, President Jonathan had already stipulated what can be discussed at the conference.