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Acting President Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday said the government is not deaf but was fully aware of the peculiar concerns and frustrations expressed by the different regions in the country.
He therefore admonished that in expressing those grievances, those involved must adopt measure devoid of discord and disdain as the government is not deaf and will ensure that it protects the territorial integrity of the country as well as the lives and property of the people.
Speaking at the opening of the consultative meeting with Northern traditional rulers at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Osinbajo also advised the royal fathers to counsel “misguided youths” who believe they can get away with hate speeches .
“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.
“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.”
Speaking further he said “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, pitting 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.”
Noting that in previous consultations it had been agreed that it was best to keep the country together, Osinbajo assured the royal fathers that the government is available to listen to suggestions and answer any question “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.”
As the consultations round off with a meeting with governors on Wednesday, the Acting President said since all the parties involved have agreed to peace the government, on its part 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.”
Among the traditional rulers present at the meeting were the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Sa’ad III who was the leader of the delegation; Emir of Kano, Alhaji Mohammed Sanusi; representative of the Emir of Katsina, Professor Sani Lugga who is Waziri Katsina; HRH Alhaji Dr Yahaya Abubakar, Etsu Nupe Niger State; Alhaji Ibrahim Sule Gambari, Emir of Ilorin; HRH Alhaji Mustapha Agwai 11, 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 and HRH Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar, Emir of Gombe.
Others are 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; HRH Alhaji Muhammed Isah Muhammed, Emir of Jama’a in Kaduna State, HRH Justice Lawal Hassan, Emir of Gumi and HRH Dr. Emmanuel Kyauta Yekwi, Sakaruyi of Karu, FCT.
Elizabeth Archibong
