Tinubu: Nigeria will progress faster if we shun ethnic, religious rivalries

Bola Tinubu, the president-elect, has admonished Nigerians to shun ethnic and religious strife for the country to attain prosperity faster.

The president-elect, in his Easter message to Christians on Saturday, called on Nigerians to “love our neighbour, regardless of tongue, faith and tribe”.

In the wake of the 2023 elections, ethnic slurs and divisive comments have dominated debates among members of different political parties on social media.

Commenting on the situation, Tinubu urged Nigerians to “recommit ourselves to edifying and patriotic pursuits in the interest of our nation”.

“I send my best wishes to Christians in Nigeria and all over the world who are celebrating Easter this Sunday. As we all enjoy the well-deserved break, I urge every Nigerian to reflect on the priceless sacrifice and limitless love of God for mankind,” the president-elect said.

“As we celebrate, let us also remember our obligation, as God’s children, to love our neighbour, regardless of tongue, faith and tribe.

“For Christians everywhere, this celebration is in commemoration of Jesus Christ’s life of service and his supreme sacrifice for the salvation of mankind.
And as we observe Easter this year, let us all imbibe the essential message of Christ’s ministry and truly begin to love our fellow Nigerians as we love ourselves.

“We will make faster progress towards the achievement of the peaceful, united, strong, progressive and prosperous country we all desire if we eschew divisive, parochial, ethnic and religious sentiments and rivalries, and begin to live more harmoniously with our compatriots.

“Easter is about Renewed Hope and Redemption. It symbolizes the triumph of hope over despair, love over hate and condemnation, and optimism over cynicism. Let us embrace this spirit and recommit ourselves to edifying and patriotic pursuits in the interest of our nation.”