Osinbajo urges South East leaders to speak out against hate, divisive speeches

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has urged leaders from the South Eastern part of the region to speak out and openly condemn hate speeches capable of destabilising the country and not wait for it to blow over.

Speaking at the ongoing consultative forum with thought leaders from the South Eastern region of the country, which held at the State House Conference Centre, the Acting President said it was not a time for the leaders to wait for the crisis to blow over or have a tit-for-tat approach.

Osinbajo on Tuesday kicked off a series of consultations with thought leaders from the two regions. The first in a series of meetings held on Tuesday with leaders from the Northern states .

“I firmly believe that we ought to address these agitations and proclamations urgently and decisively. Burying our heads in the sand and expecting the storm to blow over of their own accord is not an option.

“But equally not reasonable is falling for the temptation for tit-for-tat. It has never worked or moved us closer to a solution or resolution.

“It is in my view the role and responsibility of those privileged in society to be leaders to chart a progressive and lofty course for the ordinary people. As leaders, we carry the burden to secure the peace, progress and prosperity of our people, and that is why our voices ought to be heard and heard loud and clear at moments like this in the defense and articulation of what is truly beneficial to the nation and the people, and what is right and patriotic” he said.

According to him these consultations are necessary, and important, because of the recent events in the country. “You are all aware that there have been loud and sometimes hostile agitations by youth in the southeast, calling for secession of the region from Nigeria. Then there was the recent ultimatum issued by a group of youth from the North, asking all south-easterners living in the North to leave by October 1 this year”.

He reiterated that the Federal Government will deal decisively with any trouble maker who threatens the peaceful coexistence of Nigeria.

“Their is no doubt on the resolve of government to allow anyone get away with hate speeches and divisive words. Our emotion should not be allowed to run wide so as to threaten the existence of anyone anywhere in Nigeria. We will do everything within our power to protect the lives of every citizen anywhere and in any part of the country,” he said.

He thanked the leaders for their prompt response to the consultative meeting adding that he expects fruitful and frank deliberations at the meeting, which held behind closed door.

Some of those present at the meeting were Senate Preaident Bukola Saraki, Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara, Governor of Enugu Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Governor of Ebonyi, David Umahi, Governor of Abia Okezie Ikpeazu and Governor of Anambra Willy Obiano, Rochas Okorocha, chief of staff to the president Abba Kyari, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, NSA, chief of defence staff, service chiefs, IGP, and ministers.
Others are former Senate President Ken Namani, Senator Eyinaya Abaribe, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Catholic Awka Bishop Okoye, Igwebike Onah Catholic archbishop of Nsuka, Senator Joy Emordi and Professor Viola Nwuleri.

 

ELIZABETH ARCHIBONG