I Fear for Nigeria’s Unity – Obasanjo

Posted by admin Olusegun Obasanjo (1976-79, 99-07), Presidency, Top Stories Sunday, February 13th, 2011

ormer President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday in Minna, Niger State, expressed concern for the unity of Nigeria, stating that the country is at its most fragile period and should not be toyed with because of politics.

Obasanjo, who was the grand patron at the flag-off of the re-election campaign of the governor of Niger State, Dr. Muazu Babangida, stated that the “fabric of unity that ties us together as a nation is most fragile and must not be played with, because the unity that binds us together as a people should be our strength as a people.”

He said that a country cannot talk about unity and peace when the people, who have benefited immensely from the country in different
ways, do not preach the unity of the country, “rather, they engage in the disintegration of the country that made them who they are today.

“Those of us who have enjoyed the greatest benefit in this country, like education, appointments, selection and other privileges, should be the ones to let the less privileged know that Nigeria is a beautiful country, and all we need to do as a people is to make it one of the best in the world.”

The former president considered it most unfortunate that privileged Nigerians, who have benefited so much from this country have become priests and barons of divisions on religious, geographical sentiments, language and tribalism. “What a shame and a great shame indeed,” he declared.

According to him, “I believe that all of us who God has given the opportunity to benefit from what this country can give to us both at
the state and national levels, should do everything to ensure unity, tranquility and peace in Nigeria.”

Obasanjo appealed to Nigerians to be peaceful, adding that if there is no peace in one state, it affects the whole country and that it is not enough for a country to progress and show that it is among the comity of nations when crisis abounds in it.

The former president urged the younger generation to learn from the mistakes of the older generation and make amends, adding that there is nothing wrong with Nigeria but its leaders and followers alike.

-ThisDaywp_posts