The BRAC (Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River) Coasted Aborigines have warned against divisive narratives capable of fuelling national disunity, saying poor leadership must not be used to tarnish Nigeria’s image.
The group, in a statement issued on Tuesday, urged Nigerians to reject inflammatory religious rhetoric and hate speeches, which it said could worsen tensions across the country.
It stressed that dissatisfaction with governance should not translate into branding Nigeria a “cursed state,” warning that such narratives could deepen ethnic and political mistrust.
The group said individuals seeking political relevance must avoid actions capable of damaging Nigeria’s reputation locally and internationally.
“Most importantly, bad leadership should not justify tarnishing the image of our country. Experiencing ineffective governance does not mean we must label our country as a cursed state,” the statement partly read.
The BRAC group also expressed concern over alleged attempts to incite conflict through ethnic and religious divisions, urging national leaders and stakeholders to promote peaceful coexistence.
According to the group, efforts to discredit certain ethnic groups, particularly the Hausa/Fulani, could worsen existing fault lines in the country’s political landscape.
It warned that such tensions, if unchecked, could escalate into wider conflicts, adding that Nigerians must prioritise unity and dialogue.
While acknowledging that no ethnic group is entirely without blame in Nigeria’s challenges, the group cautioned against what it described as growing desperation among political actors pursuing sectional interests.
The statement further noted that BRAC communities, which share boundaries with Igbo-speaking areas, were worried about renewed agitation and its potential consequences.
The group maintained that despite historical ties with the former Eastern Region, BRAC states had distinct political and cultural identities and would not support any move that could threaten their autonomy.
It recalled historical disagreements following Nigeria’s political developments in 1966, noting that the region’s interests had often differed from those of neighbouring groups.
The organisation also criticised what it described as divisive political strategies, warning that such approaches could worsen insecurity and distrust among Nigerians.
It alleged that propaganda and inflammatory broadcasts in the past had contributed to tension and violence in some parts of the country, calling on leaders to discourage such practices.
The group appealed to Nigerians to embrace tolerance and respect for cultural and religious differences as part of efforts to build a peaceful nation.
“May we accept our differences, respect individual boundaries and work together to build Nigeria peacefully,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the Kano State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children and Persons with Special Needs, Hajiya Amina Sani, has defected to the All Progressives Congress.
The Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, describing the development as a boost for the state’s political stability.
Waiya said Sani, popularly known as Amina HOD, had aligned with the “Kano First” agenda aimed at promoting development and peaceful coexistence in the state.
He added that the development reflected growing support for the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, noting that several key officials had reaffirmed loyalty to the government.
According to the statement, the Kano government remains focused on governance and development despite political disagreements in the state.
