Nigeria's disintegration desires of power-thirsty, impostors - Don

Prof. Afis Oladosu, Lecturer, Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies, University of Ibadan, on Sunday described those calling for Nigeria's disintegration as power-thirsty and impostors.

Oladosu spoke at the 11th Annual Symposium of the Muslim Students' Society of Nigeria (MSSN) (B-Zone) in Ibadan.

Supreme reports that theme of the Symposium was: "The Nation's Destiny".

According to him, majority of those agitating for Nigeria's disintegration are insincere and do not have interest of the country at heart.

Oladosu, who was the Guest Speaker, admitted that there were some challenges confronting Nigeria as a country.

"But, clamouring for breakup of the country is not the solution to the challenges," he said.

Oladosu called on Nigerians, especially the Muslims, not to allow themselves to be used to destabilise the peace of the country.

He said that they should rather vote right for credible leaders in the forthcoming 2023 general elections.

"It appears as if each time our country is postured to achieve greatness, certain forces emerge, not only to imperil it, but also threatened to render its future asunder.

"The 2023 general elections is around the corner, we desire credible elections that will be trustworthy, dependable and satisfactory," Oladosu said.

Also, Dr Muiz Banire (SAN), a Guest Lecturer, said Nigeria needs peace at this point in time, adding that no country could grow in a state of anarchy.

Banire said that electorate needed to be enlightened, because many do not know why they need to vote for right candidates and follow their conscience rather than money.

"Voting for right candidates will help the country to get to its desired destination and address the ethno-religious agitation as well as the imperative of inclusiveness.

"What is responsible for all these agitations is inequality and injustice; people are not getting the desired benefits based on incident of tribes, religion, among others," he said.

Banire called on Nigerians to do the right thing during the forthcoming general elections.

Also, the MSSN B-Zone President, Qaasim Odedeji, on his parts, said the programme 11 years ago as an avenue to gather eminent personalities from academia, business, industry, politics and government to discuss current national issues and make useful recommendations.

Odedeji said that the topic was carefully chosen and came at the right time, especially with the forthcoming general elections.

He, then called on all Nigerians, especially the Muslims, to fully participate in the 2023 general elections and vote for people of good character and with fear of Allah to ensure good governance.

Odedeji further called on stakeholders, politicians and their supporters to play the game of politics by the rule and focus their campaigns on issues, adding that leadership entailed trust and responsibility.

Addressing newsmen after the event, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), a guest, said restructuring of Nigeria was long overdue.

Fagbemi said that the restructuring must be done in a manner that would meet the yearnings and aspirations of all and sundry.