The former governor made the remark in an interview in Kaduna on Nigeria’s 55th Independence Anniversary.
There is currently a renewed agitation for a separate Republic of Biafra in the eastern part of Nigeria. There are also unrest in Niger Delta and a fierce insurgency war in Nigeria’s north east.
But in the opinion of Musa, Nigerians should not listen to “secessionist forces’’ advocating for stronger regions, noting that already such regional forces had pulled the country backward.
“ While the vast majority of the country is asking for stronger centre and viable states, a few organisations are asking for the other way round.’’
He said that Nigeria should not end up “a banana republic’’, adding that the country’s vastness, human and material resources was what made it a strong regional power.
Musa, urged all Nigerians not to succumb to the antics of “secessionist forces.’’
“We got independence as a united Federal Republic of Nigeria with a strong centre and weak regions capable of performing their functions to the benefit of the whole country.
“The most appropriate thing for us now is a strong central, federal united government and viable states, so that we can coordinate our resources to provide welfare and security for the people.
“It is more appropriate when we take into cognisance, the complexities of Nigeria.’’
Musa said that although Nigerians did not fight to get independence, there was every need to value it
The leader of the proscribed Peoples Redemption Party, (PRP) however, noted that Nigeria had not utilised the vast opportunities it has since independence in 1960.
“We could have achieved more than we have, because other countries with little resources have done much more than what we did.’’ (