Former head of state, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, has asked Nigerians to put aside politics and ideological differences to confront terrorism in the light of the Chibok abductions.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Buhari said: “Now is not the time to play politics. Now is also not the time to trade blames and amplify our ideological differences. The unity of Nigeria is not negotiable and nothing should divide us as a people.”
The retired general, who ran in the last three presidential elections, urged Nigerians to “put aside all other considerations and ensure that our country Nigeria pulls together now so as to recover our sovereignty”.
He added: “I fought for a united Nigeria. In my old age, I want my grand children, your grand children, our youths and indeed all Nigerians to benefit from a prosperous and united country devoid of sectarian violence whether home grown or imposed on us from outside.”
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He described the abductors as “mindless” and “misguided persons masquerading as adherents of Islam”.
Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for the abductions in a video message made by its leader, Abubakar Shekau, who threatened to sell the girls in the slave market.
Buhari said: “That horrific video posted on the Internet is a clear manifestation of the mindlessness of the bigots. It shows them for whom they are, such men cannot threaten nor should they be allowed to violate our sovereignty.
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“It is clear from what they profess that they are not followers of God. They do not mean well for our country and her citizens. I am a Muslim, I am versed in the teaching of Christianity and I understand both religions to seek peaceful co-existence of all humanity.
“I wish to reiterate that there is no justification whatsoever for this unrestrained disregard for the sanctity of human life. It has no place in the Holy Quran and neither does it have a place in the Holy Bible.
“Let these people know that the entire civilized world is united against their terrorist act. We are grateful to the world for standing by Nigeria at this trying time. We hope and pray that the young ladies will be reunited with their respective families in the days to come.”
He urged the federal government to do “more” to ensure the safety of Nigerians and the Nigerian nation and supported federal government’s acceptance of international support “in the search for the missing girls and for an end to the insurgency in parts of the country”.
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