Don’t divide Nigeria along religious, ethnic lines, Buhari warns

Former military Head of State and All Progressives Congress, APC chieftain, General Muhammadu Buhari has cautioned Nigerians to be wary of those he claimed are desperate to divide the country along ethnic and religious lines for their selfish purposes.

Affirming that Nigerians were generally united by common issues and challenges, Buhari in a statement said he was on his part determined not to surrender to the manipulations of those he claimed were mostly in the ruling class.

Buhari

The statement posted on his facebook page on Tuesday night had as at press time yesterday attracted 626 likes and 263 comments, mostly supportive from friends. While supportive, there were some, however, which said support for his comment did not mean backing a presidential bid by the former head of state.

Vowing not to surrender to zealots, Buhari said:

“As Nigerians, we must work together and support each other because the challenges we face are similar: rampant corruption, incompetent leadership, and the threat of insecurity.”

“We therefore share common goals, hopes and aspirations – for a new Nigeria that is free, secure and prosperous. As a result, we also share a common enemy; the predatory class of vested interests who want to sustain the status quo and perpetuate their monumental misrule.”

“It is for this reason that they create an artificial North-South, Christian-Muslim divide, chanting jingoistic slogans with the hope that we would goose-step in formation, ready to tear each other apart while they busy themselves plundering our commonwealth and betraying our collective destiny.”

“It is therefore left to us to decide whether we will allow them perfect this betrayal by acting as mercenary-collaborators in the destruction of our country, or organize collectively to rescue our fatherland from their murderous grip.”

“Do not be deceived, dear friends; there is only one Nigeria, and one single struggle; which is to reclaim the destiny of this country and shape it to suit our present realities and future aspirations. And on this, there is no quitting, no giving up and no surrendering! Keep up the hope, Nigeria shall be great again!”