Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, on Thursday, identified respect, unity and responsible leadership as essential pillars for strengthening Nigeria’s democracy and preserving national stability.

Mr Buni made the call during a courtesy visit to the governor’s lodge in Abuja by the director-general of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Joseph Ochogwu.

The governor warned against growing divisive rhetoric in the country, noting that political statements capable of deepening fault lines were harmful to national cohesion.

According to him, there is an urgent need for peace and reconciliation, stressing that Nigeria’s challenges should be addressed through dialogue and collective responsibility rather than hostility.

“We are solution providers and divinely brought together. Whatever imperfections our system has should not lead to the destruction of our country,” he said.

Mr Buni urged Nigerians not to allow negative elements to define the country’s image, noting that the majority of citizens were peace-loving and patriotic.

“In every country, you have the good, the bad and even the worst. But the worst should not be the one to define us as a nation. The good should be what defines our nation,” he said.

The governor also criticised what he described as harmful narratives promoted by some politicians and sections of the media, saying such actions weaken confidence in the country.

He condemned reactions celebrating the killing of security agents, describing such attitudes as unpatriotic and unfair to officers risking their lives to protect citizens.

Mr Buni stressed that democracy should not be equated with disrespect for leaders, elders or national institutions.

“Democracy should be rule-based, respectful and decent. There should be decorum,” he said.

He also decried the culture of endless politicking, noting that politics had increasingly overshadowed governance and distracted leaders from service delivery.

“In most democratic societies, once elections are concluded, leaders focus on governance. But here, politics continues endlessly. It is not helping the country,” he added.

The governor urged citizens to support leadership and national institutions, warning that constant attacks on authority could weaken the state.

He also called on religious leaders to preach peace, unity and hope rather than hatred or division.

“A preacher should be a preacher of peace, not of hatred and conflict,” he said.

Looking ahead to future elections, Mr Buni urged political actors to place national interest above personal ambition and work for the unity of the country.

Earlier, Mr Ochogwu described Mr Buni as a statesman committed to peacebuilding, reconciliation and national development.

He said the governor’s voice remained important in promoting unity at a time of growing political and social tensions in the country.

“We believe that the governor’s influence remains critical in amplifying reconciliation at a time of deepening national fractures,” Mr Ochogwu said. 

(NAN)