Ex-Court of Appeal president tasks politicians on peace

Former President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Mamman Nasir, has urged political gladiators in the country to mellow down and not overheat the polity either by their speeches or actions in order to ensure peace and security ahead of the 2019 general elections.
Addressing a round table on the escalating conflicts and security in the North, organised by Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation yesterday in Kaduna, the elder statesman tasked politicians to come together, irrespective of their political, religious or ethnic leanings to ensure that the interest of the people is uppermost in whatever they do, to move the country forward.
“We appeal to all political leaders to cool down ahead of the 2019 election.
Please forget the selfish interests, negative defence, ensure positive approach to leadership.
The politicians should come together and think of Nigeria, think of our children and our grandchildren,” he appealed.
Chairman Board of Trustees, and former governor of Niger state, Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu in his address urged for strengthening of democracy and federalism, noting that restructuring needs to be looked into to see how Nigeria could benefit from it and urged Nigerian leaders to be concerned and proactive about the state of security in the country.
The Managing Director/CEO of the foundation, Alhaji Shettima Ali, lamented the growing insecurity in Nigeria, especially the last crisis in Plateau state, kidnapping and armed robbery along the Kaduna – Abuja highway, killings in Sokoto and Zamfara states.
“Communal, herders, farmers’ and religious, tribal clashes remain frequent occurrences in Taraba, Adamawa and Benue states and it keeps erupting in parts of Kaduna state.
The jobless and estranged youths are often exposed to drug abuse and attracted to dastardly engagements in armed banditry and other vices.
“A whole generation of youngsters expected to be the lifeblood of the North are heading towards destruction.
The future of the North is on dire straits,” he lamented.