By Tina George, Minna
Former Head of State and Chairman, National Peace Committee, Abdulsalam Abubakar has warned that if the ethnic intolerance that is whirling across the country continued, it could lead to a point of no return.
Speaking to journalists in Minna on Tuesday, the former head of state who frowned at the growing tension in the past two weeks, observed that the tension will blow the embers of disunity, anarchy and disintegration across the country.
“In the last two weeks or so, tension is growing in the country 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.
“As if the continued insurgency in the country, the kidnap and armed robbery is not cup full, the recent happening in some parts of the country of ethnic attacks, is unfortunate and is adding to the problems.
“It is true that we are all in a state of fear and collective anxiety. However, the last thing we need is for the enemy to sense a lack of unity on our part or a break in our ranks.
“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. These times demand that we all join hands together to resolve the issues and put the challenges so as to keep our country united. We do not have the luxury of trading blames”, he said.
He pleaded with Nigerians to be calm and enjoy peace, adding that this is the period where Nigerians needed to join hands together in unity.
Abubakar called on state governors to tone down their rhetoric and stop increasing the tension in the country, while observing that governors needed to take full responsibility for managing the divergent voices and frustrations within their states.
While tasking the new service chiefs and the Inspector General of Police, to rise to the demands of the moment by designing strategies that will end the tragic war ongoing in the country, Abubakar commended President Muhammadu Buhari for exploring all measures at ensuring that tensions were lowered.
