Osinbajo: Every part of Nigeria has its own grievances

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo says the federal government is aware that there are problems in every part of the country.

Speaking on Tuesday at a meeting with traditional rulers from the north, Osinbajo advised aggrieved Nigerians to express their grievances in a civilised manner.

He said the current administration would not hesitate to deal with those threatening the sovereignty of the nation.

Osinbajo added that in all the meetings and consultations held since tension arose as a result of the quit notice given to the Igbo residing in the north, it has been clearly established that it is better for Nigerians to remain as one.

He said thousands of soldiers and civilians have used their blood to pay for the unity of the country.

“As royal fathers and leaders, I think you will agree with me that we all have a role to play in countering the voices of divisiveness, and the elements who seek to take us down a bloody path,” he said.

“Let us continue to counsel the misguided elements among our youth, who think that ethnic confrontation is a game and that words can be thrown around carelessly without repercussion.

“Having said this, let me say that we are not deaf to the legitimate concerns and frustrations arising from around the country. Every part of Nigeria has its own grievances.

“But these have to be expressed graciously and managed with mutuality rather than with scorn and disdain.”

Osinbajo said the action of the coalition of Arewa youth made him convey a meeting of stakeholders from the two geopolitical zones.

He had earlier met with leaders of thought from the south-east.

“The reason for these series of meetings is well known to all of us: it became necessary in the wake of a spate of divisive statements, in recent months and weeks, pitting the south-east against the north,” he said.

“We are all aware of the so-called ‘ultimatum’ issued by a group of northern youths, asking that all Igbo living in the north vacate the region.

“Before then, there was the clamour – and it’s still ongoing – by some south-eastern youths, operating as IPOB and affiliated groups, demanding secession from Nigeria at all costs and by any means.

“In all our previous engagements with northern and south-eastern leaders, we all came to the consensus that Nigeria is stronger and better together, and that these hate-filled and divisive rhetoric and agitations are unjustifiable, unacceptable and often times illegal. And I would like to reiterate that today.

“Nigeria has seen enough violence and bloodshed in its history; the price of our unity has already been paid in the blood and lives of hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians.

“We must never take our diversity for granted; the fullness of our strength actually lies in that diversity. And we must wield that diversity, not as divisive tool, but instead as a binding agent.

“As we round off these consultations tomorrow with a meeting with governors, it is clear to me that we are all resolved to by words, conduct and action, promote the unity of our dear nation.

“On our part as government, let me say that we will ensure that the entire apparatus of government is deployed to ensure that no one threatens Nigeria’s territorial integrity, that no one threatens the lives or livelihoods of any Nigerian living anywhere in the federation.

“Our objective is to provide the environment for a prosperous nation, a nation where all regardless of ethnicity or religion can pursue their legitimate aspirations peacefully and securely.”