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Like Obasanjo, ex-CJN says Nigeria never as divided as now since amalgamation

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Justice Dahiru Musdapher

Like former President Olusegun Obasanjo, ex-Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Dahiru Musdapher, believes Nigeria has never been as divided as presently, since it’s amalgamation over 100 years ago.

According to him, the activities of major political players in the 2015 general elections which saw the country divided along ethnic, religious and partisan lines have continued to threaten the peace and existence of a united Nigeria.

He made this known during a special public lecture to mark the 75th birthday of Chief Suarau Bankole, father of Dimeji Bankole, ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“Hard work, brilliance, honesty and integrity in our dealings are no longer rewarded. Rather, we celebrate mediocrity soaked in the corruption we claim is our common enemy. I am scared and deeply worried. The situation is grave and the media, the fourth estate of the realm has a big role to play in this crusade.

“I am also aware today that most media houses have an editorial policy and clear leaning towards sectional and myopic perspectives. Tribal and nepotic leanings are present in most issues debated or reported in our media. The government-owned media showcase the activities of the government with little or no critique in contrast to the harsh realities faced by millions of subscribers of these news media.

Read also: Obasanjo fears Nigeria may break up

“The newspapers and media owned and operated by politicians are mostly reflective of the interest of their principals as opposed to the need to reflect the truth. It has become commonplace for one to read of an ‘Igbo’ presidency or ‘northern’ presidency in line with a tacit approval of outright nepotism by majority of Nigerians.

“It is rather worrisome that after over 100 years since the amalgamation of the northern and the southern protectorates in 1914, we seem as divided as ever,” he said.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, had not too long ago also said that Nigeria has never been as divided in history, except for the country’s civil war period between 1967 and 1970.

 

 

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