The production and circulation of an anti-Igbo song in some parts
of Northern Nigeria is “embarrassing and unfortunate”, a former Governor of old
Kaduna State, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, has lamented.
Musa, a second republic governor of the state who led the
state from October 1979 until he was impeached on 23 June 1981, said on
telephone that the content of the song did not reflect the true feelings of
most northerners.
He described the promoters of the song, which calls for
violence against the Igbo, as “criminals’’, whose objective is to threaten the
peace and security in Nigeria.
The politician said the song is a deliberate ploy by the
originators to generate disaffection towards northerners.
He, therefore, urged the federal government not to take the
issue lightly in view of the potential threat it constituted to the country’s
peace.
“The song is not only embarrassing but unfortunate and
capable of threatening the peace of the country.
“So the federal government should act fast before the issue
escalates so that we do not have a repeat of sad tales of history.
“The government should ensure that the promoters of the song
are brought to book because they are nothing but criminals,’’ he said.
Musa expressed belief in the capacity of Nigerians to live
peacefully with one another wherever they chose to live and irrespective of
their tribe, religion and ethnic group.
The former governor, who said that he would never support
violence, criticised the Oct. 1 quit notice given to Igbos by some Northern
youths.
He said that an insignificant number of youths could not
have been speaking for the people of the North, “who are accommodating and
peace-loving.
“The quit notice is uncalled for and does not reflect the
thinking of the North.
“So many people have condemned it. Even some youths have
come out to openly denounce it.
“That tells you that that unfortunate order is not supported
by most northerners; it is condemnable.”
The ex-governor then called on the government to be alive to
its responsibilities to the people by delivering the dividends of democracy.
He further urged the government to ensure the judicious use
of the country’s resources to promote equity, peace and development.
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