Governor Buni cautions against divisive storylines that pose a risk to Nigeria's national security and cohesion.

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Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has raised concerns over what he described as a growing drift in Nigeria’s political and social climate, warning that unchecked divisions and toxic narratives could threaten national stability.

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Buni spoke on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the Director-General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Dr Joseph Ochogwu.

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The governor said Nigeria’s imperfections should be addressed constructively rather than allowed to trigger disintegration.

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“As a country, we must ensure that whatever imperfections exist in our system do not lead to its destruction. We are human beings created to provide solutions,” he said.

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He stressed the need for peace and reconciliation, lamenting that divisive statements by some political leaders were deepening existing fault lines.

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“Their statements have been very divisive, which is not good for the people,” he said.

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Buni urged Nigerians to embrace collective responsibility in resolving differences.

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“We are problem solvers, and we must continue to resolve whatever differences exist among us,” he added.

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The governor cautioned against allowing negative elements to define the country’s image, insisting that the majority of Nigerians remain peace-loving.

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“In every society, you have good, bad, and even worse elements, but the worst should not be allowed to define us as a nation. The good should represent who we are,” he said.

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He criticised sections of the media and political actors for promoting narratives capable of undermining national cohesion.

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“Some media organisations and politicians are creating wrong narratives about the country, which is not helpful,” he said.

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Buni also condemned reactions to the killing of security personnel, describing any form of celebration as unpatriotic.

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“It is unfortunate that some people celebrate the killing of security personnel who risk their lives to protect us. This is unacceptable and demoralising,” he said.

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On democratic conduct, the governor warned that freedom should not be mistaken for disrespect, noting that governance thrives on decorum and adherence to rules.

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“Democracy does not amount to disrespect for leaders, elders, or the nation. It should be rule-based, respectful, and guided by decorum,” he said.

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He expressed concern over the misuse of social media, saying it has become a platform for unchecked attacks on leaders and institutions, and hinted at the need for some level of regulation.

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The governor also decried the continuous cycle of politicking in Nigeria, which he said often overshadows governance.

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“Politics now begins immediately after the inauguration and continues until the next election. This leaves little room for governance,” he said.

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He contrasted this with practices in more stable democracies, where elected leaders focus on governance after elections.

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Buni further condemned a political culture driven by personal ambition rather than national interest.

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“The attitude of ‘if I am not there, let nothing work’ does not build any nation. It must stop,” he said.

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He warned that undermining leadership ultimately weakens the state, urging citizens to support leadership for national development.

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“There is no society without leadership. When you destroy leadership, you weaken the country itself,” he said.

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The governor also called on religious leaders to promote peace and unity rather than division.

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“A preacher should be a messenger of peace, not conflict. All religions preach peace, and that must be reflected in their teachings,” he said.

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Looking ahead to future elections, Buni urged political actors to prioritise national unity above personal ambition, stressing that Nigeria’s cohesion must remain paramount.

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Earlier, the Director-General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Dr Joseph Ochogwu, described Buni as a strong advocate for unity and nation-building.

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He commended the governor’s consistent stance against divisive rhetoric and his commitment to peacebuilding.

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