Former Governor of Zambia state and Senator, representing Zamfara West, Abdulaziz Yari, has faulted those calling on the President of United State of America, Donald Trump, for help in Nigeria, saying no outsider can solve challenges facing Nigeria but the people of Nigeria themselves.
Senator Yari specifically blamed political elites for various divisions in the country, even as he added that all the issues (Including insecurity) around Nigeria can be resolved if the Nigerian elites agree to.
Speaking Wednesday in Abuja at the official flag off of One Nigeria Project organised by the National Association of Former Local Government Council Chairmen (NALGON), Yari said out of the total population of Nigerians, the elites group is not more than two million, hence they should respect the right of other larger percentage of Nigerians.
According to Senator Yari, who said he has been following activities of Local Government since 1986, said it is the government closest to the people and deserve to have enough funding.
The former governor said: “America says their own country is God’s own country, this Nigeria is more of God’s own Country than America.”
He cited example of Americans who choose their country first, asking that why Nigerians can’t do the same.
“This country, it is high time we should all come together, remain together and put the interest of Nigeria first.
“So elites, what is the problem? You don’t love your country. If Nigeria goes down today do you have another country?
Stop calling on Trump. Trump has no businesses in Nigeria. He can not solve problems of Nigeria. The problem of Nigeria will be solved by Nigerians.”
While advocating for improved funding for the Local Government Area, Senator Yari said: “By speaking honestly about our country, I am not driven by sentiment or fear. I understand that many who make damning remarks about Nigeria hold multiple passports. But I have only one passport—the Nigerian green passport—and I carry it with pride. Wherever I have travelled, I went as a visitor by choice, not because I had another country to fall back on.
“Those who hold dual citizenship sometimes forget the weight of their words, because they have somewhere else to run to. Their families have alternatives; we do not. Our roots, our homes, and our families are here. We have no other place to call our own.
“That is why we will continue to speak the truth, stand firm, and remain committed to Nigeria. And despite our criticisms, we will continue to work and pray for this country—and for its leaders—to succeed. Because their success is not for personal gains; it is for collective gains. When those entrusted with the leadership of the country do the right thing, the positive impact comes back to all of us.”
Also speaking, former Minister of Justice, Micheal Aondoakaa said governments at all level should support Local Government Administrators who are close to the grassroots to eliminate the current insecurity challenges in Nigeria.
He believe the insecurity is summontable if government engage with those who are closest with the people at the grassroots level.
For him, former Governor of Benue state, Samuel Ortom, who was also a former LGA Chairman, called on all Nigerians to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and do away with all forms of sentiments.
He called for a synergy between the past Local Government and the current Local Government.
He also called on Governors to do the needful “by ensuring that money meant for Local Governments get to them. We need to ensure there is equity, Justice and fairness in what we do.”
Earlier, the Chairman of NALGON Emeritus, Alhaji Shaba Ibrahim, said the Forum has become a child of necessity after recognizing the crucial importance of unity in nation’s history” where national interest has increasingly been undermined by divisive politics, religious and cultural sentiments taking the center stage and the spirit of unity and oneness relegated to the background.”
He called on all stakeholders to support the One Nigeria Project, bringing people together to work towards achieving common objectives.
