Don’t engage in activities that threaten Nigeria’s unity, Abiodun tells Nigerians

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has appealed to Nigerians not to engage in actions capable of threatening the peace and unity towards the conduct of the 2023 polls.

The governor, who made the appeal at the 62nd Independence anniversary church service held at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Ake, Abeokuta, stressed the need for continued peaceful co-existence among Nigerians for the socio-economic and political development of the country.

Abiodun, represented by his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, acknowledged the anxiety generally expressed by Nigerians whenever general election is about to take place, noting that “this is because an average citizen fears that this is the time the unity of the nation is always threatened.”
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He, therefore, solicited the co-operation of all Nigerians to preserve the oneness of the country.

The governor noted that the independence celebration is an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s hopes and aspirations, adding that the period would also enable citizens to acknowledge gains made and understand why others have not been achieved with a view to moving the country forward.

Abiodun said that his administration had continued to develop the state by ensuring a peaceful environment for enduring economic development, which has attracted more people to the state.

He, however, urged Nigerians to be their brothers’ keepers and desist from hurting one another, saying: “This act of love and care will engender enduring peace and help build a nation that all Nigerians will be proud of.”

In his sermon, the Diocesan Bishop of Awori, Rt. Revd. Johnson Akin Atere, expressed dismay that Nigeria, which was once the giant of Africa, is now begging for bread, saying disobedience, oppression, ungodliness, hatred on the part of individuals, families and governments are some of the sins that have brought the country to her knees.

He called for an end to shedding of innocent blood, hatred, and all forms of sins, saying that God is about to do something new in Nigeria but needed all citizens, including the leaders, to renew their minds and faith in Him and be their brothers and sisters’ keepers.

Atere, who urged Nigerians to be wise during the forthcoming general elections by choosing the right people to lead the nation, however, solicited the inclusion of traditional rulers in running the security architecture, particularly at the grassroots.