We Must Protect Our Unity, Territorial Integrity, To Avoid Somalia Experience – Gowon

Former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon has said Nigeria must protect its unity and territorial integrity to avoid the Somalia fate befallen the nation.

Gowon stated this at a thanksgiving service and reception in honour of the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, Rev. Yakubu Pam, at the National Christian Centre, Abuja.

Speaking through a former governor of Benue State and Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Senator George Akume who represented him at the event, the former military ruler said some people have sinister motives against the peace of the nation.

He said through prayers, the country would overcome such challengers so that Nigeria would not break up.

“There are people with sinister motives who wouldn’t want peace, but through prayers we will overcome so that Nigeria will not go asunder. This country is too big and too versed, with a population of 200 million people. A scholar said that we are structurally complex and plurally diverse,” said Gowon.

“If our territorial integrity is undermined, Somalia will be a child’s play. We don’t have to toy with our unity. You are in a very good position working closely with CAN and people of other faith, so that together, we can re-establish peace, push forward our agenda for our territorial integrity, push forward for our oneness so that together, supporting the President, we can take our country to the next level.”

Also at the event, the Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, said Pam should use his position and relationship with the Christian Association of Nigeria “to sustain and improve intra-religious and inter-religious harmony among Nigerians for which you are well known”.