Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, on
Tuesday said the unity of Nigeria is more
threatened now than the Civil war era.
While speaking during the maiden edition of the
Nigerian Union of Journalists’ National Summit in
Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, former President,
Olusegun Obasanjo, on Tuesday, said the unity of
Nigeria is more threatened now than the Civil war
era.
The former head of state who was represented by
Professor Peter Okebukola, said the activities of
various armed groups across the country have
continued to threaten the disintegration of Nigeria,
and charged the media to take the lead in the
march towards greater national integration and
development.
Obasanjo also criticised those calling for the
breakup of Nigeria, saying the call for the country’s
disintegration has been on the increase in the last
four months.
“At no time in our history, except probably during
the civil war, has Nigeria been so fractured in the
feeling of oneness and belongingness by the
citizenry.
“In the last four months, we have an average of
twenty hotspots across the country with huge
potential for national disintegration.
“Our strength as a nation lies in our unity and
national cohesion and I want to entreat you (the
media) to begin to preach the gospel of unity in
diversity and unity of purpose and cohesion.
“The press should mobilise the masses to
strengthen the democratic process and play a
crucial role in promoting a culture of tolerance,
non-violence and mutual co-existence.
“For me, this Summit will only be successful if we
find a niche for the press in our march to ensuring
greater national cohesion, especially at this time in
our history,” he said.
No comments:
Post a Comment