NIGERIA ON THE DIRECTION TO ANOTHER CIVIL WAR - PROF. GAMBARI

Nigeria's former Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, warned that recent events in the country indicate the direction of another civil war.

According to the professor, hate speech, ethnic and regional irredentism and intolerance were on the rise in the country.

He added that this indicates the apparent reluctance of Nigerians to live together in peace.

Gambari said, "This nonsense must stop. It must stop because Nigeria can not afford it."

The former envoy, also Chancellor of Kwara State University, KWASU, Malete, said at the fifth convocation of the eight-year institution.


Gambari said: "We can not afford it because it is distracting.

"At a time when we are trying to reposition our country to strengthen national cohesion and economic resurgence, playing our role in Africa and the world, we do not need this distraction.

"Governments across the country need a peaceful political and security atmosphere that allows them to focus on delivering the promised dividends of democracy to people.


"We can not afford it because it is disruptive and dangerous. Divisive agitation and violent conduct, or the call to violent conduct, can lead to unexpected and undesirable consequences.

"Small fires that begin to burn across the country must not allow to bring about a conflagration of which none can escape.

"We can not afford it because it hurts the image in the region, in Africa and around the world. What investor, donor or ally would be confidently associated with a country threatened with disintegration, confusion Or instability?

"None. If we want to take advantage of our tremendous economic potential and our human capital, we have no choice but to demonstrate to the world that we are a viable destination and ally.

"Our size and diversity should therefore be seen as advantages that help us to build a large economy with enormous political influences.

"I take this opportunity to comment on recent developments in our country, which should be of concern to all well-intentioned Nigerians.

"It worries me that some of our compatriots seem to have forgotten so early the great price we paid in fighting civil war; lives were lost, property was destroyed and nation building was starved.

"I appeal to our political, traditional, religious and business leaders not only to speak out against the negative developments but also to take immediate positive steps to put an end to them. Otherwise, their actions could be interpreted as collusion with the forces of division and violence. "