Yakubu Gowon, retired Army general and former Nigerian military head of state has said that there are people who do not want peace in the country, warning that the crisis in Somalia would be nothing compared with what will happen in Nigeria, should its external territory be compromised.
“If our territorial integrity is undermined, Somalia will be a child’s play. We don’t have to toy with our unity,” Gowon said Thursday at a thanksgiving service and reception in honor of the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, Rev. Yakubu Pam, at the National Christian Centre, Abuja.
The former leader was represented by Senator George Akume, who is a former governor of Benue State and Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs.
Gowon, who is now engaged in his prayer ministry, said the country would overcome if Nigerians prayed for the country’s peace. He asked for prayer for President Muhammadu Buhari and others for the country to overcome the current security challenges it faces.
“We need peace to succeed. I know President Muhammadu Buhari is doing a lot but the challenges are still there. 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,” Gowon said.
He told the new commission’s head that: “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.”
Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, urged Pam to use his position and relationship with CAN to sustain and improve intra-religious and inter-religious harmony among Nigerians for which you are well known.
