By NAOMI SHARANG

National Chairman of Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, on Sunday expressed concern over what he called growing hatred and divisions in Nigeria.

Baba-Ahmed, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja, blamed the situation on poor leadership and the exploitation of ethnic and religious differences by politicians.

According to him, many political actors deliberately deepen divisions among citizens to gain political advantage and retain power.

Baba-Ahmed, a former aide to President Bola Tinubu, said that the resultant atmosphere of distrust had weakened national unity and diverted attention from the real issues confronting the country.

He highlighted insecurity, poverty, unemployment and declining public services as some of the factors now affecting Nigerians regardless of ethnicity, religion or zone.

“Bandits, kidnappers and criminals do not ask victims about their tribes, language or religion before attacking them,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed argued that the country’s problems stemmed largely from the failure of leadership and institutions rather than differences among citizens.

While insisting that Nigerians shared more common interests than divisions, he called for a renewed commitment to national unity.

The PDP national chairman called on leaders to stop exploiting identity politics and instead, focus on policies that would improve the lives of ordinary citizens.

“Rebuilding trust in government and strengthening institutions will go a long way in reducing tensions and fostering national cohesion.

“We need leadership that unites Nigerians and addresses the issues that affect everyone, irrespective of where they come from,” he said. (NAN)