Acting President Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday urged traditional rulers from the North to rise up to the occasion and speak up against divisive voices in the region.
Some Arewa youths had recently given ultimatum to Igbos to leave the North on or before October 1st, 2017.
They claimed that they were reacting to the sit-at-home order issued by IPOB on 30th of May.
But the Acting President said that the traditional rulers have a great role to play in the matter.
He said: “As Royal Fathers and Traditional Leaders, your place and your role in our society and nation is significant. You are the custodians of our cultures and traditions, and living embodiments of our rich heritage.
“You are, by virtue of your vast knowledge, wisdom and experience, both a vital link with our past, and an important guarantee for the success of our future. This is why your role in national affairs is critical.
“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, pitching the Southeast against the North. We are all aware of the so-called ‘ultimatum’ issued by a group of Northern youths, asking that all Igbos 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,” he said.
Stressing that Nigeria has already seen enough violence and bloodshed during its history, he said that the price of Nigeria’s unity has already been paid with the blood and lives of hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians lost.
Recalling President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to one Nigeria from his experience in the Military, Osinbajo said that Buhari fought side by side with Nigerians of every tribe and faith.
Osinbajo added “He said we protected each other, put our lives on the line for each other, we were brothers even in the face of death. This is the type of nation we must maintain.
“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.
“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.” he said
He assured the traditional rulers that the government is not deaf to the legitimate concerns and frustrations in parts of 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.
“I would like to assure you all that we are here to listen and to answer, and, very importantly, to reassure everyone that we are committed to the unity of Nigeria, and that upon the foundation of that unity we can together build a prosperous and great country.
“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 up 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.” he said
He however said that the government will ensure that the entire apparatus of government is deployed to ensure that no one threatens Nigeria’s territorial integrity and that no one threatens the lives or livelihoods of any Nigerian living anywhere in the country.
The objective of the government, he said, is to provide the environment for a prosperous nation, where all, regardless of ethnicity or religion, can pursue their legitimate aspirations peacefully and securely.
Thanking the traditional rulers for their unyielding cooperation and support, he said: “May the Almighty God continue to give you the wisdom and the strength to preside over your Kingdoms and the good health to reign long and reign well.”
Among those who attended the meeting included the Sultan of Sokoto, Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III; Emir of Kano, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II and HRH Alhaji Dr Yahaya Abubakar Etsu Nupe Niger State.
Others are Alh Ibrahim Sule Gambari,Emir of Ilorin,Kwara State, HRH Alhaji Mustapha Agwai II, Emir of Lafia,Nasarawa State, HRH Alhaji Kyari Umar El-Kanemi, Shehu of Bama representing Shehu of Borno, HRH Jacob Buba Jang,Gbong Gwon Jos.
Also at the meeting are the HRH Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar, Emir of Gombe, HRH Ndakwo Ameh Oboni II,Attah Igala,Kogi State, HRH Alhaji Muhammadu Ibn Abali, Emir of Fika,Yobe State, HRM Alhaji Attahiru Ahmed Muhammed Emir of Zamfara, HRH Professor James Ayatse Tor Tiv,Benue State, HRH Alhaji Adamu Buba Baba Yinusa,Emir of Abaji,FCT.
Others are HRH Alhaji Muhammed Isah Muhammed,Emir of Jama in Kaduna State, HRH Justice Lawal Hassan Emir of Gumi and coordinator of the Northern traditional rulers council, Sakaruyi of Karo Dr. Emmanuel Kyauta, and the representative of the Emir of Katsina, Professor Sani Lugard ,the Waziri Katsina.
Others present at the meeting include the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonaya Onu, Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Danbazzau, National Security Adviser, Babagana Munguno, and Speaker of the House of Representatives,Yakubu Dogara.
The meeting followed the meeting with leaders of thought from the North, leaders of thought from the Southeast, Traditional Rulers from the Southeast.
