Minna – A former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, yesterday expressed worry that the insecurity in the country was affecting the nation’s economy, especially its Northern part.
Abubakar made the remark after his inauguration as the Chairman of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Lapai Endowment Fund board of trustees by Gov. Babangida Aliyu of Niger State.
He said the North was hard hit by the problems of insecurity that its once popular night economy had been sent into comatose, adding: “there is no more night economy”.
He said carnage, destruction of public property and loss of innocent lives were having negative effects on the national economy and therefore should be stopped.
“People who have grievances against the government should come out to discuss the grievances and settle for peace,” Abubakar said.
He told parents that they had a responsibility to check their children to avoid their falling into wrong groups.
He also urged the State Government to contribute meaningfully to the fund to facilitate the execution of ongoing projects such as lecture theatre, lecture rooms, central water system and vice chancellor lodge.
Abubakar urged Nigerians, especially the elite, to contribute to the fund thus paying back for the free education they had enjoyed in the state and parts of the country.
He told the 6,000 students of the university to remain disciplined and avoid anything that could tarnish the university’s image.
The former head of state also urged the institution’s authorities “not to spare the rod” in dealing with any errant student.
Abubakar paid tribute to the late Kaduna State governor, Patrick Yakowa, who died in a helicopter crash on December 15, describing him as a worthy citizen and a friend.
The Niger State Governor, Dr Babangida Aliyu, affirmed that the relationship between late Yakowa and Abubakar was very cordial.
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