Nigeria is now highly fractured, Obasanjo warns
- Former President Olusegun Obasanjo is taking a critical look at the state of the nation and how it affects the country's unity
- Obasanjo expressed deep concern that the country has been seriously fractured by various agitations and that it must be salvaged
- He also admonished journalists to be serious with their jobs and focus more on investigative journalism
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has warned that Nigeria is now at the highest moment of fracture since the civil war between 1967 and 1970.
Obasanjo said he was concerned about the activities of various groups in the country demanding for breakup with some engaging in armed struggle against the country.
The Sun reports that the former president spoke through his friend, Professor Peter Okebukola, at the maiden edition of the Nigeria Union of Journalists’ national summit held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Ogun state.
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He pleaded with journalists in the country to engage in activities that unite the country and discourage reports that could fan the embers of disunity and retard development.
He condemned calls for the breakup of the country while mentioning that the Niger Delta Avengers, Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen have seriously injured the country through their activities.
Obasanjo said: "At no time in our history, except probably during the civil war, has Nigeria been so fractured in the feeling of oneness and belongingness by the citizenry.
"In the last four months, we have an average of twenty hot spots across the country with huge potential for national disintegration.
"The press should mobilise the masses to strengthen the democratic process and play a crucial role in promoting a culture of tolerance, non-violence and mutual co-existence.
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"For me, this summit will only be successful if we find a niche for the press in our march to ensuring greater national cohesion, especially at this time in our history.
"Our strength as a nation lies in our unity and national cohesion and I want to entreat you (the media) to begin to preach the gospel of unity in diversity and unity of purpose and cohesion," he said.
While urging journalists to focus more on investigative journalism, Obasanjo said: "It is unacceptable that a number of media organisations place low premium on investigative journalism.
"These days, many news items that are used as headlines lack credibility and are based on rumours."
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While speaking at the event, Governor Ibikunle Amosun, urged journalists to always guard against those who want power for their selfish interests.
On Monday, August 15, Obasanjo also had the opportunity of speaking concerning the 1976 coup that led to the killing of Murtala Mohammed, a former head of state and his emergence as his replacement.
The former president said that period was filled with tension because the act was executed by military officers most of whom were Christians and that it was done on a Friday, a holy day for Muslims.
Source: Legit.ng
