Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has called for a reset in Nigeria’s political and social discourse, urging citizens and leaders to allow the country’s positive attributes—not its shortcomings—define its national identity.
The governor made the appeal during a courtesy visit by the Director-General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Joseph Ochogwu, warning that rising divisions and toxic narratives pose a significant threat to national stability.
Buni described Nigeria’s imperfections as challenges to be addressed collectively rather than triggers for disunity, stressing the need for cohesion and shared responsibility.
“Whatever imperfections that our system has should not lead to the destruction of our country. We are human beings—solution providers, divinely put together,” he said.
He expressed concern over increasingly divisive rhetoric among political actors, noting that such tendencies deepen societal fault lines instead of fostering unity.
“There is need for peace and reconciliation. Some political leaders have made statements that are so divisive, which is not good for the people,” the governor added.
Emphasising dialogue and conflict resolution as essential tools for national survival, Buni maintained that Nigeria should not be defined by its worst elements, arguing that the majority of citizens are law-abiding and patriotic.
“The good should be what brands our nation—not the worst,” he said.
The governor also criticised sections of the media and political class for amplifying narratives that undermine national unity, accusing them of promoting pessimism and division. He condemned what he described as unpatriotic reactions to the killing of security personnel, warning against any form of celebration or trivialisation of such losses.
“It is not correct, it is not good, for anyone to celebrate the death of those protecting us,” he stated.
On democratic practice, Buni cautioned against equating freedom with disorder, stressing the importance of respect for institutions, leadership and societal values.
“Democracy does not amount to disrespect. It should be rule-based, decent, and guided by decorum,” he said, adding that without discipline and mutual respect, democracy risks losing its value.
He also raised concerns over the role of social media in shaping public discourse, calling for measured regulation to address what he described as widespread misuse and unaccountable attacks on institutions.
The governor further decried Nigeria’s culture of prolonged politicking, arguing that governance is often overshadowed by early electioneering.
“Politics now starts from day one of a new government. What time is left for governance?” he queried.
Buni criticised a mindset driven by personal ambition at the expense of national progress, warning that undermining leadership ultimately weakens the country.
“If I am not there, let everything spoil—it must stop. It does not build any nation,” he said.
He also urged religious leaders to promote messages of unity, cautioning against rhetoric capable of inciting division.
“A preacher should be a preacher of peace, not hatred,” he added.
Looking ahead, the governor called on political actors to prioritise national unity over personal ambitions, describing Nigeria’s existence as divinely ordained and worthy of preservation.
Earlier, Ochogwu commended Buni as a consistent advocate for peace and nation-building, describing his voice as critical in fostering unity amid growing national divisions.
He said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration in advancing peacebuilding efforts across the country.
