Former Nigerian Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, has lamented growing insecurity in Nigeria.
Speaking during the inauguration of a two-day round-table by the Abdulsalami Abubakar Institute for Peace and Sustainable Development on Monday in Minna, Niger State, Abubakar recommended dialogue as an effective means to solving the nation’s security challenges.
“This roundtable is the centre’s contribution to the search for solutions to some of the problems we are currently experiencing as a nation, particularly issues and matters around co-existence and security.
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“Nigeria is going through a period of trial amidst growing tension and resentment all over the country.
“There is anger in the land and the voices of reason are drowning very rapidly,” he said.
The former Head of State said the institute expects that the outcome of the meeting would serve as guide to help the federal and state government solve the country’s security problems.
Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, the chairman of the occasion, said disintegration would not solve the country’s problems.
“There can be no genuine military solution to conflicts except dialogue.
“We have to realise the vision of our founding fathers which is a prosperous and peaceful Nigeria,” he said.
Also, Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger, who was the special guest, said the challenges confronting the nation are surmountable but requires sincerity of stakeholders.
Bello, who was represented by Alhaji Ahmed Matane, Secretary to the State Government, lauded the Institute for initiating the roundtable to move the country foward.
Dignitaries at the occasion includes Alfred Diete Spiff, chairman Bayelsa state Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Umar Bahago, Emir of Minna and Alhaji Najib Adamu, Emir of Kazaure.
Others include Gen. Alani Akirinnade (rtd), Gen. IBM Haruna (rtd), Prof. Balaji Akinyemi, Prof Ango Abdullahi, Prof Kingsley Moghalu, Mrs Josephine Anini and Ambassador Zubairu Dada, a ministerial nominee.
This is to commend this initiative to finding lasting solution to insecurity and as extension divisiness. The challenge we have is insincerity on the part of those that have mismanaged the wealth of this nation. They cornered the wealth of the nation for personal use and left the masses with nothing. What do we expect? They will fight back. The insecurity is the masses fighting back. They want to eat and wherever that comes from is fair game. Unfortunately, the drowning voice of reason are the same people that caused the present situation we are in. Looking for solution outside providing for the poor masses is begging the issue. It is a bit better anyway than writing sensational letters.