TheCable

Boss Mustapha, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), says his comment that Nigeria may break up was misunderstood. 

While speaking at an interdenominational church service to commemorate Nigeria’s 60th independence anniversary on Sunday, Mustapha warned that Nigeria risked breaking up if its current challenges were not addressed.

The SGF said Nigeria currently has ”cracks in its walls”.

But in a statement on Wednesday, Mustapha said he remains committed to an indivisible Nigeria and that he appreciates the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari in strengthening the country’s unity.

He added that any contrary opinion is a clear misinterpretation of the government’s position.

“I have observed with concern, the apparent sensitization of the remarks I made at the 60th Independence Anniversary Church Service, where I stood in for His Excellency, the Vice President,” he said.

“For the avoidance of doubt, I want to affirm that His Excellency, the Vice President and I remain very firmly and irrevocably committed to the ideal of one indivisible Nigerian nation.

“We are also deeply appreciative of President Muhammadu Buhari’s consistent efforts to strengthen the unity of the Nigerian nation.

“Any suggestion to the contrary is a clear misinterpretation of our common position as a Government.”