Nigeria’s unity is not negotiable, says Maitama Sule

From Edwin Olofu, Kano

Elder statesman, Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule, yesterday said, in Kano, that Nigeria would remain one indivisible country, no matter the threats that are capable of breaking the country by some individuals, stressing that the unity of the country is not negotiable.

The former Nigeria’s permanent representative at the United Nations gave the assurance while speaking to a group clamouring for the common good of northerners, the Northern Youth Development Foundation (NYDF), delegation in his residence, in Kano.

“The situation in the country is very sad that we never had it so bad; but I believe what we should do is to get together and tell one another the truth – let us agree to accommodate our differences and to put Nigeria above personal interest. Our forefathers, like Sardaunan Sokoto Ahmadu Bello, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Joseph Tarka belong to different political parties and religion, but they worked together for the development of Nigeria.

“We should come together and respect one another that is the only way we can move on and take our place among comity of nations.”

 Danmasani said he was convinced that northern region is suffering from humiliation and discrimination.

The former minister also alerted President Jonathan that the country is equally experiencing challenges that ought to be urgently addressed before it escalates.

“I wrote to the chairman, Northern Governors Forum and Mr. President and intimated both about the prevailing situation in the country. I also pointed out that if President Jonathan didn’t put a stop to it, we would have disastrous consequences”, he stated.

Maitama Sule urged the leadership class not to see themselves above public criticism and should respond to  constructive criticism where necessary.

Danmasani said he once heard the South African President, Jacob Zuma said: “Good leaders, when they deviate or are faulted accept ordinary peoples’ views, like academicians and the media, for them not to blow the warning signal; so good leaders listen to such warnings and respond constructively and should not see themselves above criticism”.

However, Maitama commended the northern youth group for not taking the law into their hands, as well as how they respectfully presented their case to the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II, and by also seeking elders advice and intervention in the present situation the country is facing.

According to him, what the youth group have narrated is similar to what the northern elders have been narrating, saying they still chose dialogue with the Federal Government than confrontation.

He noted that behind every crisis is injustice, while the solution to every crisis is justice.