By Correspondent in Minna
Former Nigeria Military Head of state, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar,advised Nigerians to be instruments of peace in whatever they did to avoid disintegration of the country,in the face of the current challenges.
He also called on the traditional institutions, religious leaders as well as development associations, including Non-Governmental Organisations, to join hands in building bridges of understanding amongst the diverse ethnic nationalities in Nigeria.
The former head of state gave the advice while speaking with journalists at his Hilltop residence in Minna.
He stressed the urgent need for every Nigerian to join hands with government in bringing about solutions and not compounding the multi-faceted problems going in the country.
Abdulsalami, who is also the Chairman, National Peace Committee (NPC) said he was concerned over attacks in parts of the country and called on the Governors to urgently take full responsibility in managing the divergent voices and frustrations capable of fueling disunity, anarchy and full disintegration.
“As if the continued insurgency, kidnapping and armed robbery are not cup full, the recent happenings in some parts of the country, especially the ethnic attacks, is unfortunate and is adding to the problems we already have as a people,”he said.
He also called for multi-faceted approach that would bring about peace said, “In the last two weeks or so, tension is growing and embers of disunity, anarchy and disintegration are spreading fast and if care is not taken, this might lead us to a point of no return for our country, Nigeria”.
“We at the National Peace Committee wish to add our voice to the voices of millions of Nigerians calling for calm in these difficult times. The times we are in now demand that we all join hands together to resolve our challenges so as to keep our country united. We do not have the luxury of trading blames now”.
While appealing to the Governors of various states where tampers are fast rising to appease to their subjects to sheathe their swords, Abdulsalam admonished them to, “Tone down their rhetorics and take full responsibility in managing divergent voices and frustrations”.
According “It is true that we are all in a state of fear and collective anxiety. However, the last thing we need right now is for the enemy to sense a lack of unity on our part or a break in our ranks and we shouldn’t allow that,”he pleaded with Nigerians.
Abdulsalam challenged the Service Chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police to rise up to the urgent demands of their responsibilities at the moment.
He offered advice:“You need to rally your troops quickly and design the best strategy for ending this tragic war that has continued to consume and destroy the foundations of Nigeria.
“We hope that based on their field experiences in this war, they can draw up a well co-ordinated programme to ensure that all our resources are deployed to achieve the much needed victory in this avoidable capamity”.
He said it was important for traditional institutions, religious leaders as well as development associations, including Non-Governmental Organisations to work toward mobilizing Nigerians on the need to live in peace with one another.
