By Henry Iyorkase, Makurdi
Former Minister of Communications in the Second Republic and elder statesman, Chief Isaac Shaahu, has called for the total elimination of insurgents and other criminal elements troubling Nigeria.
Shaahu, a First Republic parliamentarian, made the call during a telephone conversation with New National Star in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, where he expressed concern over the worsening insecurity threatening peaceful coexistence in the country.
The elder statesman, who once chaired the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), said kidnapping and other violent crimes are alien to Nigerian culture, stressing that the country was once known across Africa for peace and harmony.
He also commended some ongoing infrastructure projects under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, noting that significant developments such as the Buruku River Bridge and the Wurukum flyover are progressing and nearing completion. He attributed part of these achievements to cooperation between the Presidency and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
Commenting on governance in Benue State, Shaahu praised Governor Hyacinth Alia’s performance over the past three and a half years, but urged him to extend development projects beyond the state capital to other parts of the state.
He lamented the rising level of hatred among Nigerians, recalling that during his time in public service, there was greater love, unity, and mutual respect among citizens.
According to him, Nigeria can only regain its lost glory if citizens unite as one indivisible entity, warning that continued division would hinder national development.
Shaahu further stressed that the country envisioned by Nigeria’s founding fathers—including Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Anthony Enahoro, and Senator Joseph Sarwuan Tarka—was one built on unity, peace, and progress.
He, however, lamented that the original vision of independence had been eroded over time and urged stakeholders to revive the founding ideals while resisting foreign cultural influences that undermine national identity.