Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, has again assured Nigerians
that the Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is not deaf to grievances in parts
of the country and will address them.
This was contained in a statement to summarize the outcomes
of the series of consultations he had with leaders from the North, Southeast
and the media over the last two weeks.
His parleys were in response to the three-month deadline
given the Igbo to vacate north by Arewa youths in response to the secession
demands by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) Between June 13 and 22,
Osinbajo used the meetings to urge that such grievances be expressed with
grace. He also expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the meetings.
According to the presidency, the meetings were convened to
provide for frank and open discussions between the concerned stakeholders and
by extension the Nigerian public on issues relating to the unity, peace and
security of country.
Osinbajo’s media aide, Laolu Akande said in a statement the
VP will continue to actively engage with different segments of the Nigerian
population at different stages and format in the near future.
He said the meetings touched on various issues relating to
ethnic agitations that have manifested most recently in a call for secession by
some groups of youth from the Southeast, and an ultimatum by Northern youths
for south-easterners living in the North to leave the region by October
1.
The meetings the statement noted “Condemned all the hateful
and divisive comments by the concerned groups of Northern and Southeastern
youths.
“It also affirmed the primacy of the Constitution of
Nigeria, the ultimate basis for the unity of Nigeria that guarantees freedom of
residence and of movement for all Nigerians anywhere in the country, without
fear of discrimination or prejudice.
“It affirmed the need to draw a line between the freedom of
expression guaranteed by the Constitution and the degeneration of such
expression into hateful rhetoric, prejudice and hatred. Under no circumstances
will Government condone or tolerate hate speech in any way or form.
“The necessity of confronting all grievances and
frustrations head-on, however uncomfortable that might seem now; instead of
ignoring issues and allowing them to fester.
“The need for all leaders and elders, regardless of
political or ideological persuasion, to speak out more forcefully to counter
divisive and hate speech and any form of warmongering.”
Osinbajo according to the statement while appreciating all
the leaders for their time and commitment to the unity, peace and progress of
the Nigerian nation, assured that the Nigerian people of the determination and
resolve of the Buhari administration to ensure their well-being and security at
all times.
“The Federal Government will continue to actively engage
with Nigerians of all shades and opinions in its bid to move the country
forward on a path of socio-economic development and ultimate greatness.”
Osinbajo met with Northern Leaders of Thought on Tuesday,
June 13, Southeast Leaders of Thought on Wednesday on June 14, Southeast
Traditional Rulers on Sunday June 18, the Northern Traditional Rulers on
Tuesday June 20, All State Governors on Wednesday June 21, and Publishers and
Editors on Thursday June 22.
By Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye
