Some of the key ethnic nationalities groups invited to a peace meeting by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, have turned down the invitation.
The meeting is scheduled to take place on July 29 and 30, 2019.
But leaders of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum, Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Middle Belt Forum have pulled out of the talks.
In a letter to Abubakar, the leaders of the groups said they would not be attending because of the invitation extended to Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and Gan Allah Fulani Development Association.
In the letter, signed by Chief E.K. Clark for PANDEF; Chief Ayo Adebanjo for Afenifere; Chief John Nwodo, President General of Obanaeze Ndigbo; and Dr. Pogu Bitrus, President of the Middle Belt Forum, the ethnic nationalities leaders said they do not see themselves discussing with the two groups.
The letter reads in full:
Gen. Abdusalami Abubakar (GCFR)
Former Head of State,
Federal Republic of Nigeria,
Minna.
Dear General,
Re: Roundtable on National Issues and Security
Greetings to you from the leaders of Southern and Middle Leaders Forum.
We individually received your invitation to the above event holding in Minna between 29-30 July, 2019.
We thank you for your interest in the affairs of our country which made us to accept your invitation in good faith.
It was in the thick of our preparations for the journey that fuller details of the roundtable came to our attention, some aspect of which has necessitated this last minute communication with you.
We observed that the roundtable will have in attendance all the National Security Heads, Chief of Defence Staff and notable Nigerians, underscoring the high level of the consultations.
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