It’s time to stop ethnic politics –Jonathan
04 September 2022 |
5:40 am
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, said that burning national issues, including agitations by ethnic nationalities, must be addressed for the country to find peace, and witness sustainable development.
Goodluck Jonathan. Photo: TWITTER/GEJONATHAN
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, said that burning national issues, including agitations by ethnic nationalities, must be addressed for the country to find peace, and witness sustainable development.
Jonathan stated this in Owerri at a lecture to mark the 80th birthday of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, held at the Imo Concorde Hotel, Owerri. It was organised by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Imo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
President Jonathan who was the chairman of the lecture titled: “Igbo Quest for Nigeria Unity,” challenged Nigerian youths to take charge of their future by electing those who believe in the unity of the country, and not in tribalists and religious bigots.
The ex-president also said that Nigerian leaders should take deliberate steps to de-emphasise ethnic cleavages, which are pulling the nation apart.
According to him, “ The incoming Nigerian leaders must take deliberate steps to whittle down the ethnic cleavages pulling us apart and pulling the nation backward. So, my appeal to all Nigerians is to de-emphasise our differences and focus on the issues that bind us.
“Luckily, we are in an election cycle, so my challenge to the youths is to take charge of their future, by electing those who believe in our unity, and who will promote peace and progress, not those who will erect ethnic walls and religious barriers among our people. We have over-ethnicised our politics to the detriment of our country and our collective growth. We need to stop this”
He continued: “ Collectively, if we work together and accommodate our differences, we can build a nation where everybody will have a sense of belonging, and everyone’s rights will be guaranteed. That is the way we must go; a Nigeria where equality and justice reign.”
He pointed out that the Igbo have made enormous contributions to the progress of Nigeria and that they hold an important place in the history of the country through trade and investment.
He said: “They are known to be excellent industrialists and entrepreneurs and scholars. They epitomise resilience amid adversity and fortitude in times of despair; these are the virtues we need to emphasize now more than ever, given our nation’s challenges.
Jonathan while pouring encomium on the elder statesman said, “Iwuanyanwu is worthy of celebration and commendation not just for attaining the milestone of 80 years, but for his contribution to Nigeria’s economy and social and political development.
The Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, who also spoke said that Ndigbo were vital to the development of the country.
Chief Nnia Nwodo, in his address, lamented the huge loss in revenue accruing to the country as a result of mismanagement of resources.
3 hours ago
The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has warned newly-registered companies against paying certain fees to obtain tax identification number (TIN) amongst others. The management of CAC gave this warning in a statement on its X handle on Friday. CAC said it noticed email messages sent to directors of newly-registered companies. READ ALSO: CAC targets registration of…
4 hours ago
A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed money laundering charges against former Attorney-General Mohammed Adoke. Justice Inyang Ekwo ruled on Friday that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) failed to present a strong enough case (prima facie case) against Adoke. EFCC alleged that Adoke sometime in August 2013 in Abuja accepted a cash…
5 hours ago
The Kwara Government has said it will target about 1.5 million children between zero and five years of age, for polio vaccination across the 16 Local Government Area of the State.
5 hours ago
Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River says his administration has provided a matching fund of N100 million to scale up food and nutrition interventions in the state.
6 hours ago
Senator Ede Dafinone, the lawmaker representing Delta Central Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate, has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army Staff for their instrumental roles in securing the release of His Royal Majesty, King Clement Ikolo, Urhukpe 1, the monarch of Ewu-Urhobo…
6 hours ago
Officers from the Ikotun Police Division, Lagos State have rescued three children who had been locked in a room for days by their grandmother. Police spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement on Friday, stated that an investigation is ongoing on the matter. Hundeyin disclosed that the children have been kept safe while the grandmother…
7 hours ago
A Volvo truck (unregistered) carrying loads of food items overturned in the Ojota area of Lagos on Friday, leaving its occupants with serious injuries.
7 hours ago
A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit filed by seven senior advocates of Nigeria against the National Judicial Council (NJC) and others over the alleged unlawful appointment of judges in Kogi.
7 hours ago
At least 23 people have been killed in an attack by bandits on the Anguwar Danko community in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, according to a community leader. The attack, which occurred Wednesday night, has yet to be confirmed by Kaduna State Police authorities. A leader in the community, Zubairu Abdulrahuf, told…
7 hours ago
The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has placed former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, on a watchlist. Immigration took this step after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday declared Bello wanted. NIS placed Bello on the watchlist in a circular dated April 18 and signed by Assistant Comptroller of Immigration, DS Umar, for…
×
Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox every day of the week. Stay informed with the Guardian’s leading coverage of Nigerian and world news, business, technology and sports.
0 Comments
We will review and take appropriate action.