2015’ll determine Nigeria’s unity –Abdulsalami

A former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, has said that the conduct of the 2015 general elections will determine the unity of the country.

He said the determination of the North to reclaim power in 2015 and the desire of President Goodluck Jonathan to seek another term portend danger for the nation.

Abubakar, who spoke as the chairman of a conference organised by the Peoples Dailyin Abuja on Thursday, warned that the election must be well handled in order not to create friction.

He said, “As political animals that we are, nothing seems to have gripped the imagination of Nigerians as the issue of the coming 2015 general elections, which in my view is a watershed moment in the history of our dear country.

“The way we are able to handle this very important event will largely determine how successful we will be in our efforts at remaining a united, indivisible and stable country.

“Already, the fault lines are apparent and politicians are ready to exploit them to the fullest to achieve their sometimes not so noble objectives.”

He added, “The north is determined to have it back and its leaders are pulling all the stops to see that that happens.

“On the other hand, the body language of the incumbent president strongly suggests he wants another term in office”.

The ex-military leader warned that “the unfolding scenario may portend danger to our nation if Nigerians from all parts of the country do not close ranks and put the interest of the nation first”.

Abubakar, who handed over power to Chief Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999, explained that the sad and tragic experience of the 2011 post-election violence was a reminder that election matters had become serious business that must be handled with the utmost seriousness and patriotism in order to avoid a repeat.

Also speaking at the occasion, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, described  2015 as being pregnant.

He, however, added that Nigerians would determine whether the year would deliver a bright future or a foetus of aborted hopes and dreams.

The Speakers said, “The responsibility is of course first on those who hold power currently and the election umpire that we now have. If they decide to conduct fair and free elections, if the scales are not rigged, then the hope that 2015 will usher in a more peaceful and more progressive year is not in doubt.

“Part of the problem is that tribalism and nepotism have become such a critical part of our policy and politics that people often feel that they will not be reckoned with unless their candidate, their tribesman or woman, or their party win.

“Once we stop seeing power as an opportunity to enrich our friends and cronies but an opportunity to leave positive mark on governance, the extreme views that people hold over candidates for elections will be substantially moderated.

“We hold it in our hands to make 2015 a turning point in our politics and our nation. But first the political parties must enthrone a democratic culture that should provide level playing ground over and above every other consideration.”