African leaders in Abuja on Thursday said that the disintegration of Nigeria would portend catastrophic consequences for the continent.
The leaders stated the position in their goodwill messages at an International Conference hosted by President Goodluck Jonathan to mark Nigeria’s centenary celebrations.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that about 30 African leaders attended the conference held at the international Conference Centre.
The Gambia President, Yahya Jammeh, who took the lead, noted that Nigeria had played pivotal roles in keeping the peace in troubled individual African states and the continent at large.
He particularly expressed the gratitude of Gambians to the government and people of Nigeria for helping in restoring peace to their country.
Jammeh condemned the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria, noting that the sect was anti-Islam.
He said as a Muslim, ``there is nowhere in the Qu’ran where Allah says his followers should coerce people to take to Islam.’’
The Gambian president added that ``it is only Allah that can determine who goes to heaven and no other person.’’
He said Nigeria must use its diversity as source strength and the people must tolerate themselves and work for the progress and unity of the country.
The President of Namibia, Hifikepunye Pohamba, condemned the recent killing of innocent students in Yobe by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.
Pobamba said the terrorists activities were aimed at destabilising the country and urged the leaders to remain resolute to keep the nation one.
President Bai Koroma of Seirra-Leone thanked Nigeria for helping to restore peace in his country.
He said Nigeria was carrying the responsibilities of Africa and its size and population must be seen as strength.
He noted that among ``every four Africans, one is a Nigerian and when Nigeria sneezes the entire continent is affected’’.
He said that Nigeria's strength was in its unity, adding that ``no Nigerian is bigger than Nigeria.
``Nigeria has a bigger role to play in the development of Africa. If there has to be peace in Africa, there must be peace in Nigeria. Africa looks up to you.’’
The Vice-President of Kenya, Ruto Williams, spoke on behalf of four countries in East Africa, namely Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania.
Williams said ``Nigeria is the giant of Africa and the citizens must strive to keep it united.’’
He said Nigeria had continued to play its leadership role, particularly in assisting to keep peace in the continent.
In times of tribulations, ``Nigeria has never failed to inspire Africa. All of us who look up to Nigeria never cease to thank God for this wonderful gift to Africa.
``For this reason, we, East Africans, joind the wonderful people of this country in celebrating the beginning of a national political socio-economic development.’’
NAN reports that all the leaders as well Mr Thomas Shannon, who represented U.S. President at the event, condoled with Nigeria over the Yobe killings.
Shannon also conveyed Obama's support for Nigeria's peace and economic growth.
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