Intensify prayers for peace, economic prosperity, Octogenarian ex-Ambassador urges Nigerians
A former minister of Education, Science and Technology, Ambassador Ibrahim Yerima Abdullahi has urged Nigerians of all faith to intensify prayers for the peace and economic prosperity of the nation.
Abdullahi, who said this in an interview with newsmen on Monday in Gombe, added that Nigeria was a country ordained by God to exist for the good of Nigerians.
He expressed the optimism that Nigeria would overcome its present challenges and emerge stronger because Nigeria is “God’s willed and majority of Nigerians are good; so good will always overcome evil.’’
Abdullahi, who turns 83 this year urged Nigerians to intensify prayers for peace and tranquillity to be restored to Nigeria and for the improvement of the country’s ‘economic profile.’
He also cautioned politicians and other citizens who want to play politics to do so with the best of intentions and for the good of the country.
The elder statesman noted that “politics should not be played with interests that negate the wellbeing of the country and its citizens.
“If we claim to be politicians and if generally you are doing politics, then you know that the basic word to keep is the country itself.
“You want the best for your country and that is why you are lucky you have a country you can join politics.
“If you are joining politics it is good; but join with the best of intentions by raising the standard of the country that is highly acceptable and to a civilised level.
“But if you want to destroy your country then you are wasting your time; God has given us this country and He is not going to destroy it because the majority of Nigerians are good people.’’
Abdullahi, who is also the Sarkin Bai of Gombe said constructive criticisms of government’s programmes and policies aimed at ensuring making things better were welcomed but “don’t try to destroy this country God has given us.’’
“You can criticise constructively to ensure that the right things are done but to turn round to want to destroy the country that God has given us; such persons would not succeed.’’
The Sarkin Bai of Gombe, also a former Nigerian Ambassador to Malaysia appealed to the youths across the country to think positively and be proud of Nigeria.
He stated that Nigeria would offer them better things in the future “if they think and act well in the interest of the country.
“To youths in Gombe, Bayelsa, Ogun, Ikwerre in Rivers State and Nigeria generally, you should know that the future belongs to you; the leaders of today are only clearing the field for you.
“It will be useful for youth to bear in mind that we have a country that we can call our own; that we deserved to be proud of;
“Nigeria is God-given and anything that will destroy this country should be avoided,’’ he said.
