This was stated by the National Coordinator, NFF, Mr Onianwa Elidad, following secession moves and quit notice emanating from some leaders in the country, which Elidad said his organisation condemns recent hate speeches and overheating of the polity.
He stated that Nigerians are not to be taken for a ride by some persons undermining the unity the founding fathers fought for and were able to achieve for the interest of all Nigerians.
He further stated that young people should be wary of so-called leaders fighting for their right and intend to use them to truncate the peace and unity in the country.
He added that the Foundation was established to ensure national interest was projected above personal interest in all ramifications by Nigerians in leadership positions and followers in all segments of the country, and they will educate Nigerians on that.
He said: “Even if those leaders who claim to be fighting for their people and want justice and equity in issues affecting them we want them to approach it by engaging other leaders intellectually and maturely instead of beating drum of violence, issuing quit notice and deadline.
“No personal interest, region, religion and ambition is bigger than the interest of the nation because the nation first before any other thing. Unfortunately, over the years, most leaders who have come and gone have failed to respect and place the nation above themselves.
“This attitude has caused unnecessary violence and destruction of lives and property in this country. We in Nation 1st Foundation, unequivocally condemn all forms of hate speeches and antagonistic behaviours.”
He also called on leaders in all spheres to be conscious of the nation and prioritise its interest and ensure they are carried along in all things and not to use them as instruments of war to score cheap political points.
Also speaking was the National Secretary, NFF, Adekunle John, stressed that Nigerians are not seen as Hausa, Yoruba and Ibo, when they travel out of the country, but seen as Nigerians by their host.
“We have heard several hate speeches and unnecessary tensions to cause disaffection among Nigerians by some persons who do not mean well for the peaceful co-existence of citizens of this country. Promoting violence and radicalism will only overheat the polity and plunge the country into unimaginable bloodshed”, John warned.
In his assertion, National Public Relations Officer, NFF, Mohammed Ali, said, “Our interest as leaders and followers should be nation first. Let us be concerned on how do we resolve issues that affect us negatively, and how do we harmonise our views and suggestions to make the country a better nation built on justice and equity, and not to promote ourselves and aspirations at the detriment of national interest.”
