Nigeria’s president, Muhammadu Buhari has said the self-centeredness that led to the loss of about a million lives between 1967-1970, during which Nigeria suffered a civil war, must not be allowed to repeat itself.
He urged leaders to stay focused and uphold the ultimate objective of promoting the interest of the country, saying, “We are Nigerians, God willing we remain Nigerians, and Nigeria shall remain one.’’
He made this statement on tuesday when received former State Chairmen of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) at the State House.
Buhari also noted that the passion and zeal for improving the livelihood of Nigerians, which culminated in the creation of the political party had not dwindled, calling for more steadfastness as Nigerians.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, Buhari noted that the CPC was founded on the bedrock of patriotism and loyalty to the unity of Nigeria.
“Our main objective is the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We are human beings. We have our weaknesses, but I can assure you that the patriotism in us is hard-earned. We have gone through all the troubles from 15th of January 1966 to date. You know what I mean by this, we have killed a million of ourselves in order to keep this country together.
“I don’t think there can be any practical experience more than that. We are Nigerians, God willing we remain Nigerians and Nigeria will remain one,’’ he said.