Dr Nicholas Okoh, Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) on Monday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to speedily look into recent clashes between herdsmen and farmers in parts of the country.
Okoh, who made the call during his sermon at the 80th birthday thanksgiving service for Chief Ernest Shonekan in Lagos, noted that the move would further cement the unity of the country.
The NAN reports that Shonekan, who was born on May 9, 1936, was Head of the Interim National Government between Aug. 26, 1993 and Nov. 17, 1993.
As stated by Okoh, if nothing is done fast about the incessant attacks by herdsmen, it will impact negatively on the present administration.
“We appreciate President Muhammadu Buhari’s vigorous fight against corruption to solve the leakages in our national revenue and the determination to recover public funds and bring about a national rebirth.
“But, so that our national Anthem will not stop to remain relevant– that the labours of our heroes past shall not be in vain– the new generation of herdsmen are not working for the interest of this administration.
“The earlier they are disarmed, the better for the unity of this country.
“Whether they are indigenous or foreigners, we urge the President that he should in his characteristic doggedness disarm and tackle these people, so that they will not ruin his administration.
“If communities are allowed to begin to make their own security arrangements, that becomes the end of this country.
“The earlier the activities of these herdsmen are curbed and they are completely disarmed, the better for our country, ” he stated.
Okoh described Shonekan as a great man worthy of emulation for his distinctive contributions to human and national development.
“Chief Shonekan’s life at 80 is already defined because he has seen this country during the colonial, post colonial, independence and democratic eras
“Therefore, the younger generation and politicians should tap from his wealth of experience and knowledge for progress of humanity and improvement of the society,” he stated.
Chief Bode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), told that Shonekan at 80 had been a beacon in the service of the country.
Also, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, a former Military Head of State, in an interview with , urged younger Nigerians to emulate the virtues of Shonekan to enable them contribute to the development of the nation.
Shonekan himself later expressed happiness for the recognition by friends and government officials who graced his birthday ceremony, in a short interview with .
“I thanks God for his mercies on me, that I am alive to celebrate my 80th birthday today with families and friends. I’m highly elated, ” he stated.
reports that Dr Alex Ekwueme, a former Vice President of Nigeria; Gov. Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State and the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Idiat Adebule, who represented Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode, were some of the eminent Nigerians at the event.
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