The Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has warned that the country could be heading for a breakup if urgent and proactive actions are not taken.
Speaking on Sunday in Abuja at the 60thIndependence Anniversary Interdenominational church service held at National Ecumenical Centre, Vice-President charges Nigerians to collectively address the identified cracks that could quicken suck breakup.
The Vice-President, who was represented by the Secretary to Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, made reference to the Bible, pointing the story of Nehemiah, especially his role in rebuilding the broken down walls of Jerusalem.
Osinbajo, who was speaking on the theme “Come, let us rebuild…” maintained that the task of mending the cracks could face severe opposition. “ This could only be achieved by consistentfocus and prayers by Nigerians who desire more peaceful and progressive nation,” he added.
The Vice-President, while urging Nigerians to study the story of Nehemiah and replicate same for a better nation, challenged every Christian in Nigeria who are desirous of following the part of Christian way of life to follow the foot steps of Nehemiah, so as to make the country to rebuild the cracks.
“For us in Nigeria, Nehemiah should be taken as a metaphor for that Nigerians who either reside in Nigeria or outside, to cry to God to use the abandoned opportunities in Nigeria to address our challenges of nation building,” Osinbajo said.
He, however, expressed optimism that the 60th Independence anniversary could herald a rebirthof Nigeria as a nation, and that no group is more prepared for this taskthan the religion leaders.
On his part, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) President, Dr. Samson Ayokunle, stressed the need for justice in the country, which he said will bring peace, harmony, love and tolerance.
“A nation that is religion plural like ours require love in practice so as to co-exist without fighting one another. What is sane in using the name of God or hide under the cloak of religion to kill fellow humans? If God wants all of us to be of one ethnicity, race or religion doesn’t he have the power to do it? Why do we want to play God and wickedly terminate the lives of others in account of religion?
He, however, argued that Nigeria needs time religiosity in other to reposition the country and overcome corrupt practices which has almost become the norm in the society.
