*Accuses political leaders of sowing seed of disunity amongst Nigerians
*Nation building, work in progress – Fayemi
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed concern over the worsening state of insecurity in the country, saying Nigeria has become a haven for bandits, kidnappers and all other forms of criminalities.
Abubakar, who said it was unfortunate that bandits have been allowed to carry out their nefarious activities nationwide , noted that it would surprise no one if these bandits evenually get registered at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and listing on the Nigeria Stock Exchange.
Atiku spoke on Thursday in Abuja during a media dialogue and public presentation of the book titled: ‘Remaking Nigeria: Sixty years, sixty voices’ with a theme titled: “Towards a viable union: ‘A national dialogue on remarkable Nigeria.”
The 437-page book was edited by a journalist, author and human rights activist, Dr Chido Onumah while the Foreword was written by EKiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi.
Atiku, who spoke in his capacity as chairman of the occasion, said that poverty, lack of development, unemployment and illiteracy were some of the factors holding the country back.
He said, ” Yes, the Chibok girls had been kidnapped and held in captivity 7 years ago. Yes, conflicts between herders and farmers had been there with us before 2016.
“But who would have thought that our country would become a haven for kidnappers and all manner of bandits to the extent that their nefarious activities would become a major industry?
“They have been allowed to operate so openly and brazenly that it would surprise no one if they applied for registration at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).
“Five years ago, the Abuja Kaduna Road was not a virtual no go area. The South-East was not a virtual war zone, the Amotekun was not needed to protect lives and property in the South-West but it has become worse today”.
The former vice president further disclosed that he finds it amusing when people declare Nigeria’s unity as fixed and non-negotiable and still do everything in their power to destroy the fragile unity.
Atiku further warned those in authority not to take things for granted, adding that fixing or restructuring the country is the only panacea to Nigeria’s problems.
He said, “The calls for restructuring have not been heeded. Constitutional provisions on federal character have been ignored and even symbolic gestures to make all groups feel that they are part of the Nigerian family have been scorned as though they are a sign of weakness.
” As a result, the agitations that turned more groups into Biafrans have become even more strident and in some cases, violent”.
On his part, Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi lso stressed the need to restructure the country.
He however stated that restructuring is an unending issue among nations.
Fayemi, who was the keynote speaker at the event, said that questions will continue to assail the topic, questioning whether demolishing of the old order for a new era will quech the call for restructuring.
He noted that restructuring is a generational issue whereby every nation will always demand for a better society.
According to Fayemi, nation building is always unfinished business because the generation coming after will seek for a new direction.
He added that it is illusory to think that Nigeria can put in place a perfect nation.
The Governor advised that focus should be on how to reinvent a new nation rather calling for all out demolition.
He further stated that the cause of End SARS protest should not be lost on the nation, adding that absence of justice, liberty, equal economic opportunity and fairness are the root causes of agitations in the country.
