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Ikenna Ngere
Guest
The Federal Government has firmly stated that it will not entertain any movement or calls for the secession of any part of Nigeria.
Over the weekend, the government emphasized that Nigerians must live together as a united nation, viewing coexistence as a necessity rather than an option.
In recent times, some groups have advocated for secession from the country, which was initially unified in 1914 under the British colonial rule, combining the Southern and Northern protectorates.
Nigeria, however, gained its independence in 1960 and has faced challenges of national unity, including a civil war between 1967 and 1970.
During a peace meeting held in Plateau State, Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, reiterated the government’s firm stance against any attempt to divide the nation.
He stressed that any demands for secession would not be entertained as they pose risks of disunity and discord among Nigerians.
As the Minister of Defence, Badaru reaffirmed his responsibility to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity, both from external threats and internal instability.
Badaru said: “The Federal Government will not entertain such demand capable of causing division and disaffection among Nigerians.
“Therefore, living together is not an option but an obligation.
“This is evident in Mr President’s firm resolve to fight any secessionist agenda in any part of the country.
“My presence here is to fulfil my mandate as the Minister of Defence charged with the responsibility for the protection of our national territory both from external and internal aggression.
“Therefore, I will not relent until the Federal Government and the Ministry of Defence deploy all assets to ensure our people sleep with their eyes closed.
“I must first express my displeasure over the recurring attacks and reprisals that resulted in the loss of lives and property especially in Jol and Sho in Barkin Ladi and Riyom LGAs in recent times.
“These killings kept recurring despite the best efforts of our security agencies on the Plateau; especially 3 Division (Nigerian Army)/Operation Safe Heaven (OPSH) to ensure amicable settlements during any incidents involving attacks on cattle or farm as well as cattle rustling.’’
Badaru, who previously served as the governor of Jigawa State, also expressed frustration with those attempting to disrupt farming activities during the rainy season, further exacerbating the farmers-herders conflict in the region.
He described the recurring clashes between farmers and cattle breeders, not just in Plateau but across the country, as troubling.
“I am particularly saddened by the stance of some unscrupulous elements in some communities who vowed to disrupt farming activities during the ongoing rainy season despite all efforts to resolve the security issues in your localities through diverse means.
“The continuous recurrence of farmers/herders clashes not just on the Plateau but across other states of the federation is quite worrisome.
“As nature has it, both farmers and cattle breeders need each other to survive,” the minister added.
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