‘Don’t Divide Nigeria’

With the security and other social problems facing the country, Nigerians have been urged not to think of dividing the country.

Making this plea while delivering a lecture at the Lagos State University (LASU) Master of Public Administration (LASUMPA), Professor Dapo Folorunso Asalu, Deputy Vice chancellor of the university, urged Nigerians to find solution to the challenges facing them and live in peace.

He attributed the call for the break up of the country to lack of regional leaders among the regions that made up the country.

‘‘Nigerians have to appreciate that anywhere we go in the world Nigerians are there. The population of Nigerians in America alone is more than the population of some African countries. We are stars in any field.

‘‘We fix the problems of other nations, but because of our eccentric nature and indulgence in corruption and impunity, we ruin our own country. I strongly believe that it is the love of God that is holding us together. If other countries have 10 percent of the problems and crisis we experience here, they will be in pieces.

‘‘There is God’s grace here. We have a beautiful country, beautiful environment, great human and natural resources. What we need to do is to come together, sit around the table and find solution to our problems.

“We should never think of separating. That is going to be worse for us. We should try to find the blueprint, bring back those in diaspora, let us say what our problems are and find solution to them,’’ he pleaded.

Commenting on the bribery scandal between  Farouk Lawan, a member of the House Representatives and Mr. Femi Otedola, the LASU don said: ‘‘It is a shame and they are very fortunate that we are not in an era when military coup was popular, soldiers would have taken power. They are taking it too far. Legislators are supposed to be law makers but most of them are irresponsible, they do not care what happens to the poor man. I pray that they don’t push us to the point of revolution. We still have peace today and we should maintain the peace and look for good people that can rule this country better.’’

He described those in power now as the wasted generation. He urged Nigerians to tolerate them and vote them out at the end of their tenure.