Katsina State Governor Aminu Masari has called on the Nigerian elite, to be more supportive of the Federal Government, by avoiding unpatriotic conduct, which casts the country in bad light.
Masari was speaking against the backdrop of recent calls by some prominent Nigerians on international bodies and foreign powers, to forcefully interfere in the nation’s internal affairs, especially, on the security situation in the country.
Also Read: Gov. Masari laments level of insecurity in Nigeria
This is contained in an Eid-el-Kabir message, signed by his Director-General, Media, Abdu Labaran.
According to the statement, Governor Masari observed that “as a sovereign nation, Nigeria deserves the respect of foreign nations, whatever their status on the global stage maybe.”
The governor stressed that, for any compatriot to wilfully call on foreign powers to meddle in the internal affairs of Nigeria, is to display the highest level of unpatriotism.
He added that no responsible citizen, least of all, those who are the foremost beneficiaries of the commonwealth, will encourage foreign powers to interfere in the internal affairs of their nation, regardless of its adversities.
Masari further charged the Nigerian elite, to borrow a leaf from their counterparts in those foreign powers, and guard Nigeria’s sovereignty jealously.
According to him, the leading citizens in other countries, partner with their governments, to protect and advance national interest, as they do not go to the marketplace to expose the perceived inadequacy of their leaders.
Masari is of the view that, at these trying moments, what the nation’s leadership requires is support, by way of concrete advice in private, not going public with unsubstantiated accusations, which defy reason and logic.
He further said, for those wrapping the insecurity situation in the country in a religious and ethnic cloak, adversities do not respect any boundaries, either religious, ethnic, or regional.
The Governor added that the insecurity buffeting the country, is not limited to one section of the country, or affecting only one ethnic group, or the adherents of only one religion.
He said, it does not spare even social status.
While calling for more commitment and prayers from Nigerians, for the continued survival of the nation as one corporate entity, Masari urged Muslims to look beyond the merriments, and focus on the lesson of the Eid-el-Kabir, which is sacrifice and obedience to the command of the creator.
(Editor: Ifeanyi Mark)
