Nigeria’s unity: Presidency in consultation

The consultations by the Presidency with various
segments of the Nigerian society will continue, the Spokesman of
the Acting President, Mr Laolu Akande, said on
Tuesday.
He stated this in a release while emphasizing the import of the
dialogue the Acting President had with leaders from the North,
Southeast and the media over the last two weeks.

“While this set of consultations was concluded last week, the
presidency will continue to actively engage with different segments
of the Nigerian population at different stages and formats in the
near future.

“The meetings were convened to provide a platform 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 the country,’’ the release said.

In the course of the interaction from June 13, to June 22, the
Acting President gave the assurance that the Muhammadu Buhari
administration was not deaf to grievances in parts of the country
and would address them.

He, however, urged that such grievances should be expressed with
grace.

According to Akande interactions began following the recent
spate of agitations pitting some groups in the North against others
in the Southeast while Osinbajo used it to douse inter-ethnic
tension using political, religious, traditional and media
leaders.

He said the meetings established some common ground on a number
of issues such as the condemnation of all the hate and divisive
rhetoric by the concerned groups of Northern and Southeastern
youths.

“They affirmed the need for all leaders and elders, regardless
of political or ideological persuasion, to speak out more
forcefully to counter divisive and hate speeches and any form of
warmongering.

“They also affirmed the primacy of the country’s constitution,
the ultimate basis for the unity of Nigeria.”

Also during the meetings it was agreed that the constitution
guarantees freedom of residence and of movement for all Nigerians
anywhere in the country, without fear of discrimination or
prejudice.

They also affirmed the need to draw a line between the freedom
of expression guaranteed by the constitution and the degeneration
of such expression into hate rhetoric and prejudice.

The interactions similarly affirmed the necessity of confronting
all grievances and frustrations head-on, however uncomfortable they
might seem instead of ignoring issues and allowing them to
fester.

The Acting President expressed appreciation to all the leaders
for their time and commitment to the unity, peace and progress of
the nation.

He also assured Nigerians of the determination and resolve of
the Buhari administration to ensure their well-being and security
at all times.

(NAN)

The consultations by the Presidency with various
segments of the Nigerian society will continue, the Spokesman of
the Acting President, Mr Laolu Akande, said on
Tuesday.
He stated this in a release while emphasizing the import of the
dialogue the Acting President had with leaders from the North,
Southeast and the media over the last two weeks.

“While this set of consultations was concluded last week, the
presidency will continue to actively engage with different segments
of the Nigerian population at different stages and formats in the
near future.

“The meetings were convened to provide a platform 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 the country,’’ the release said.

In the course of the interaction from June 13, to June 22, the
Acting President gave the assurance that the Muhammadu Buhari
administration was not deaf to grievances in parts of the country
and would address them.

He, however, urged that such grievances should be expressed with
grace.

According to Akande interactions began following the recent
spate of agitations pitting some groups in the North against others
in the Southeast while Osinbajo used it to douse inter-ethnic
tension using political, religious, traditional and media
leaders.

He said the meetings established some common ground on a number
of issues such as the condemnation of all the hate and divisive
rhetoric by the concerned groups of Northern and Southeastern
youths.

“They affirmed the need for all leaders and elders, regardless
of political or ideological persuasion, to speak out more
forcefully to counter divisive and hate speeches and any form of
warmongering.

“They also affirmed the primacy of the country’s constitution,
the ultimate basis for the unity of Nigeria.”

Also during the meetings it was agreed that the constitution
guarantees freedom of residence and of movement for all Nigerians
anywhere in the country, without fear of discrimination or
prejudice.

They also affirmed the need to draw a line between the freedom
of expression guaranteed by the constitution and the degeneration
of such expression into hate rhetoric and prejudice.

The interactions similarly affirmed the necessity of confronting
all grievances and frustrations head-on, however uncomfortable they
might seem instead of ignoring issues and allowing them to
fester.

The Acting President expressed appreciation to all the leaders
for their time and commitment to the unity, peace and progress of
the nation.

He also assured Nigerians of the determination and resolve of
the Buhari administration to ensure their well-being and security
at all times.

(NAN)