By Callistus Agwaza in Jalingo
A former Defence Minister, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), has said that the unending security challenges, has made Nigeria a laughing stock among the comity of nations.
Speaking on Friday at the annual Nwonyo Fishing Festival in Nwonyo community, Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba state, the Elder statesman Nigeria has become a war front and a theatre of absurdities that leaves a sour taste in the minds of people in every sane society.
Danjuma said it was imperative for the country to put its house in order and put a check on the glaring insecurity and other vices that are bedevilling the country.
The former minister said the Nwonyo festival was a “testament to the rich cultural heritage of Taraba state which is cherished celebrate with great pride.
He added that the festival “showcases our cultural values and serves as symbol of our unity. Let us take a moment to reflect on the significance of the occasion.
“It is a symbol of resilience and determination of our people in the face of daunting challenges.
“Let us renew our commitment to promoting peace, harmony and celebrate the bonds that unite us as one family.
“May this occasion be a reminder of who we are and the strength that lies in our unity.
“We must put our own house in order and have peace in our state and throughout the country if we want this to be truly an international festival.”Danjuma said further that, “There is no sane foreigner who will come to celebrate with us if we continue to disgrace ourselves as we do.
“As we are today in Nigeria, we are a disgrace to the whole world. The whole country is a war front of our people killing our people.
“We are a laughing stock to the rest of the whole world. We must put our house in order. We must make our roads safe and stop kidnapping people. We must learn to live together as a country and as a people”.
In his remarks, the Taraba state governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, said his administration is committed to ensuring justice and peace so that development can take its rightful course.
He said Taraba, as a nature’s gift to the nation, must be showcased to the rest of the world so that the enormous potentials of the state could be fully utilised.
Also speaking at the occasion, Adamawa state governor, Umaru Fintiri commended the Taraba state government for reviving the Nwonyo
festival after 10 years of negligence and urged the people to use the occasion to unite and live harmoniously.
