Ex-President dismisses calls for Nigeria to break-up

chika ebuzor

August 17, 2016 5:58 AM

Obasanjo said this at the Nigeria Union of Journalists’ national summit which was held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Ogun state.

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo

Former President

Obasanjo said the actions of various armed groups has caused some fracture in the fabric of the nation.

The former President also called on members of the press to use their platforms to preach peace and unity.

The ex-President who was represented by Prof. Peter Okebukola, also said “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.

“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.”

According to the ex-President, “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,” he noted.

“In the last four months, we have an average of twenty hotspots across the country with huge potential for national disintegration.”

Reacting to the budget padding scandal currently rocking the House of Representatives, Obasanjo reportedly said the lawmakers are thieves.

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chika ebuzor