By our reporter| Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday urged young people to reject those trying to divide the country with ethnic and religious politics ahead of the 2023 elections.
Jonathan, who gave the advise while giving a speech in Owerri at the 80th birthday symposium of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, noted that Nigeria’s politics is steeped in ethnicity and religion “to the detriment of our country and our own collective roots. I think we need to reduce this.”
Speaking on the theme, ‘Igbo Quest for Nigeria’s Unity’, the former president appealed to Nigerians to pay less attention to differences and focus on the issues that foster unity.
“Luckily, we are in an election cycle, so my challenge to the youth is to take charge of their future by electing those who believe in our unity and will promote peace and progress — not those who will erect ethnic walls and religious barriers among our people,” he said.
“Collectively, if we work together and accommodate our differences, we can build a nation where everybody will have a sense of belonging, and everyone’s rights will be guaranteed.
“That is the way we must go; a Nigeria where equality and justice reign.”
According to the former president, the quest for Nigeria’s unity can be achieved, adding that it, however, requires all stakeholders to work in synergy and imbibe the principle of nationhood above ethnic and religious inclinations.
“Nigeria as a country should know that we need to review certain things,” he said.
“We cannot become slaves to our challenges. If we work together, we can build a nation where everyone will have a sense of belonging.”
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