Buhari's weakness fueling threat to Nigeria's unity, Northern elders declare
- NEF has blamed the crisis in every nook and cranny of the country on politicians' inordinate ambition
- The forum said that the failure of the government of the day is another factor responsible for the threat of Nigeria's unity
- According to a statement issued by the forum on Monday, March 22, the federal government must ensure that the country is not divided
PAY ATTENTION: Join Legit.ng Telegram channel! Never miss important updates!
The Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF) has said that the weakness of President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration was aggravating various threats in all strata of the country.
Daily Trust reports that the forum also alleged that political actors, who have political ambitions in 2023 are threatening the corporate existence of Nigeria.
Legit.ng gathered that the NEF said the politicians are attacking the foundations of the country's co-existence through acts that provoke, frighten or otherwise cast doubts.
In a statement issued on Monday, March 22, by its director, publicity and advocacy, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the forum wondered why the only voices being heard are those that demand the balkanization of the country, or encourage dangerous politics and other acts that pitch some communities against others.
The NEF said:
“It is no exaggeration to say that our country has never been so threatened by a combination of weak and ineffective governance and a determined effort from many quarters to capitalize on this weakness to attack the foundations which give all citizens and communities some comfort that we are not headed for almost certain, irretrievable disaster."
TheCable also noted that the NEF further noted that the groups’ activities suggest that they perceive a vacuum that provides a perfect setting for questioning the legitimacy of the Nigerian state, its ability to fight against subversion and other acts of hostility and its commitment to uphold the rule of law.
Baba-Ahmed said the forum recognises the historic opportunity for leaders, elders and other Nigerians who believe in acting responsibly to step up now and retrieve the country from imminent disaster.
PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read the best news on Nigeria’s #1 news app
Meanwhile, Legit.ng had previously reported that Benue state governor, Samuel Ortom, asked President Buhari to declare a state of emergency on security.
It was reported that Ortom made the call on Thursday, February 11, while addressing journalists including a Legit.ng reporter in Abuja.
The governor also stated that those carrying out attacks on communities in Nigeria are not Nigerians but foreign Fulani herdsmen, who he said took advantage of the country's porous borders to gain entry.
......
Wale Akinola is a passionate journalist and researcher. He works as a senior political/current affairs editor at Legit.ng. He holds both B. A and Master’s degree in Communications and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan. He also holds a Diploma Certificate in Peace Journalism. He has over 15 years of work experience in both print and online media. He derives joy in keeping the public abreast of current happenings locally and internationally through his writings.
Source: Legit.ng