Nigeria: Former Head of State Urges Unity to Defeat Terror
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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- Former Nigerian Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar urged Nigerians to unite against terrorism on his 84th birthday.
- He highlighted the need for inclusive efforts in maintaining order, stating that fighting terror is not solely the responsibility of security agencies.
- Abubakar cautioned against the politicization of security and the spread of fake news, which he believes embolden terrorist groups.
On his 84th birthday, former Nigerian Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar appealed to all Nigerians to unite in the fight against terrorism, emphasizing that Nigeria is the only country they have. He reflected on the state of the nation, acknowledging the economic and security challenges many countries face, including Nigeria.
The armed forces and all other security agencies have been very strong in the fight against terrorism. But this is not their fight alone. Every citizen has a stake and it is my plea that Nigerians unite to fight against terror.
Abubakar stressed that maintaining order in the country requires inclusive efforts, stating, "The armed forces and all other security agencies have been very strong in the fight against terrorism. But this is not their fight alone. Every citizen has a stake and it is my plea that Nigerians unite to fight against terror."
He warned that the politicization of security matters and the propagation of fake news on social media have exacerbated the situation, providing oxygen to terrorist groups. "The success of one terrorist group encourages another, and unless we have a rethink, we will continue to promote this crisis," he stated. Abubakar urged security agencies to remain firm and resolute, and called on the government to continue taking decisive actions to end the tragedy.
The success of one terrorist group encourages another, and unless we have a rethink, we will continue to promote this crisis.
"Nigeria is the only country we have. I joined the army to defend it with my life. I am a firm believer in a united and peaceful Nigeria," Abubakar declared. He expressed his lifelong dream of handing over a united and prosperous nation to future generations and appealed to citizens to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding. He also offered prayers for comfort to the families of fallen heroes.
Nigeria is the only country we have. I joined the army to defend it with my life. I am a firm believer in a united and peaceful Nigeria.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by ThisDay in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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