By Ezra Ukanwa

Major General John Gbor, (Retd) has joined several other Nigerians in calling for a more unified and inclusive country in his new book.

The 10-chapter book, titled: “Nigeria: A Nation Yearning for Moral Regeneration and Unity”, brought to light the era of colonization of Nigeria by Britain, down to the struggles that heralded the country’s independence as well as sundry issues in the country.

Speaking during the public presentation of the book, weekend, in Abuja, Maj. Gen. Gbor, emphasized the need for Nigerians to be united, adding that with unity the myriad of challenges bedeviling the country would be adequately addressed.

He said: “Nigeria is a special nation and no one will rule this country better or special except we Nigerian people. We are very intelligent people.

What is stopping us from taking off? I have found out the reason why we are not taking off regardless of our intelligence and intelligence. The British when they set up this country called Nigeria, they put a net around us and pegged the net. So, like a plane we can not take off.”

Speaking on the diversity in Nigeria, Maj. Gen. Gbor highlighted socio-ethnic groups as major banes for Nigeria’s progress, calling for patriotism not tribal consciousness.

“Ohanaeze, Area consultation forum, Afenire, there are centripetal forces that are pulling Nigeria back and we must remove them. What is the difference between an Igbo and a Hausa man, what is the difference between a Yoruba person and a Tiv”, he said.

On his part, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, represented by Chief of Defence Civil Military, Rear Admiral, A.O Adebanjo, said that the book presents a need for moral fortitude to develop and build a strong unity for the country.

He said: “The content of this book should be able to awaken in us the moral fortitude to rise to make sure that we all work together to develop and indeed, build up a strong unity for our dear country Nigeria.

“Drawing from the reflections of the grand strategic level, we know that our leaders now and the past have always worked assiduously for us to have a truly United Nigeria. We’ll be drawing inspiration from the author as well as others like him who are hooked their pen to paper to articulate steps or agenda that would help in fostering a united Nigeria.”

Similarly, the book reviewer, a sociology lecturer, University of Abuja, Dr. Adeyanju Temitope Peter, said the book preaches against religious bigotry, and seeks to bring a new reawakening of nationalism in the country.