Luxury bus operators and other mass transit bus companies plying northern roads from the south have concluded plans to withdraw their fleets from all northern routes from February 10, 2015.
Quick News Africa investigations reveal that the decision was taken after a crucial meeting of major stakeholders in a major city in South East Nigeria. Some drivers and company CEOs who were present at the meeting had agreed that it was way too risky continuing business in the north, especially in the heat of the elections. An executive of one of the companies who spoke with our reporter cited the 2011 electoral violence as a signal that 2015 will not be any different, especially with the same players at the forefront in this year’s elections: “there have been calls from every corner for southerners to go home, and we have been witnessing an exodus from the north recently. Don’t forget that the opposition party had threatened to form an alternative government if Jonathan wins, while ex-militants have threatened to go to war. Do you think we foresee peace?”, he queried.
He further stated that the meeting had agreed that they will not risk loss of the lives of their drivers, or their vehicles to senseless electoral violence.
On Wednesday, 4th February, the chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Elder’s Council, Chief Mbazulike Amaechi had warned Igbos living in the north to vacate the region, in order to safeguard themselves from unwarranted killings after elections. He also called on South East governors to provide modalities in order to transport Igbos safely back home till there is certainty they are safe to return to their northern bases. Amaechi said: “Be vigilant before, during and after the election, make appropriate arrangements to save your life, your family and properties. In view of the ominous uncertainties that loom in the air, Igbo governors should make contingency arrangements, separately and collectively, to evacuate Igbo citizens who may be trapped in an area of violence”.
It will be recalled that Governor Rochas Okorocha had advised Igbos not to leave the north despite the looming crisis. He had stated in Abuja: “It is uncalled for. There is no need for it. This election as far as we are concerned will be peaceful. Nigeria and Nigerians are only passing through a trial period in their political history. That does not mean it will bring about crisis. I don’t think so. Unless for Igbos who have registered at home. They should come home to vote. But those who registered in the North should stay there.”
Southerners however, have been leaving the north in droves as February 14 approaches.
