2015: Abdulsalami warns against ‘destructive politics’

Former Head of State, retired Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, has warned politicians across the country to stop playing destructive but constructive politics, urging them to strive to build and not to destroy the country.

Abubakar, who gave the warning yesterday during the launch of an on-line newspaper The Cable, also called on all Nigerians to always put the country’s interest first in all that they do.

“Nigerians need to stop complaining about the problems confronting the country, but rather should think and take steps capable of solving the problems. Continuous complaints will not bring solutions,” he said.

Abubakar said politicians in the country should forget their differences when issues of security and stability are at stake.

“Security, law and order are fundamental requirements in any human society and we cannot progress without them. Perhaps, our politicians can learn from Americans; whenever there is election, they identify themselves as either Republicans or Democrats. But as soon as the election is over, they identify themselves as Americans. Their country’s interest takes precedence over partisan interest. I understand that politicians will always be politicians, but politics should not be destructive, rather it should be constructive. We should seek to build and not to destroy,” he said.

He added: “All of us as Nigerians have the duty to join hands in fighting these challenges. If Nigeria is safe and secure and the quality of life in the country improves, it is for the benefit of the nation. We cannot continue to complain about the problems because that will not solve them. All we need to do today is to look forward and think of solutions to the problems facing the country,” he said.

Speaking on the topic; Nigeria at 100: Reflections on the future, Gen. Abubakar said it is not proper for Nigerians to be discussing nationhood now.

Also speaking, Governor Babatunde Fashola, said Nigeria has not yet attained the level it ought to be.