Acting President Yemi Osinbajo on Wednesday met with
Southeast governors and other leaders of thought from the region and urged them
not to be tempted into a tit-for-tat amid hate speeches across the country.
In his opening remarks at the meeting with the leaders of
thought held at the old Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, Osinbajo urged
them to always speak out against hate speeches and comments capable of
polarizing the country along ethnic, sectional and religious lines.
He stated that the meeting was “very urgent and crucial’’
because of the current loud voices of hate speeches and divisive comments
resonating across the country, stressing that the situation required urgent
attention from all concerned.
According to him, this is not the time to hide under any
ethnic or religious platform to support comments that divide rather than unite
us as a nation.
He, therefore, urged leaders to raise their voices against
the present strident divisive speeches in the country, saying that “violence
pays no one.
“Violence and war are not going to do anyone any good. Wars
today hardly end. No one who has seen the face of wars even on television who
wish it for anyone.
“We should not tolerate hate speeches or divisive
comments.’’
The acting president reiterated the Federal Government’s
resolve to deal with any trouble maker who threaten the peaceful coexistence of
Nigeria.
“Their is no doubt on the resolve of government to allow
anyone get away with hate speeches and divisive words.
“Our emotion should not be allowed to run wide so as to
threaten the existence of anyone anywhere in Nigeria.
“We will do everything within our power to protect the lives
of every citizen anywhere and in any part of the country.’’
He thanked the leaders for their prompt response to the
consultative meeting.
Those who attended the meeting included the Senate Preaident
Bukola Saraki, Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara, Gov.
Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu, Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi, Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of
Abia, Gov. Willy Obiano of Anambra and Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo.
Others included Chief of staff to the president Abba Kyari,
Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, NSA, chief of defence staff, service
chiefs, Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris and ministers.
Former Senate President Ken Namani, Senator Eyinaya Abaribe,
Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Catholic Awka Bishop Okoye, Igwebike Onah Catholic
archbishop of Nssuka, Senator Joy Emordi, Prof. Viola Nwuleri also attended the
meeting.
It would be recalled that the Acting President on Tuesday
began consultations with leaders of thought from the North and warned that the
government would deal decisively with persons who make hate speeches or attempt
to disrupt the peace of the country.
The meeting was sequel to the calls for secession by youth
from different ethnic groups in the country resulting in some asking others to
vacate their enclave before Oct. 1.
The Acting President noted that that was not what the country
desired at this time and urged those involved to desist or face the full weight of law.
NAN
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