Condemn hate, divisive comments, Osinbajo tells S’East leaders

.Says this is no time to hide under ethnic, religious platforms to fan embers of division
. Restates FG’s resolve to deal with trouble makers
.’We’ll do everything within our power to protect every citizen anywhere in Nigeria’
.Don’t panic, Lai Mohammed advises Nigerians

As part of his ongoing consultative meeting with leaders across the country, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, on Wednesday, urged leaders of the South East geopolitical zone and others across the country to speak out against hate speeches and divisive comments.

Speaking at a meeting with leaders of thought from the South East at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, Osinbajo said the meeting was very urgent and crucial because of the current loud voices of hate speeches and divisive comments resonating across the country.

He stressed that the situation required urgent attention from all concerned.

The acting president noted that this is not the time to hide under any ethnic or religious platform to support comments that divide rather than unite us as a nation.

Osinbajo also urged leaders to raise their voices against the present divisive speeches in the country, stressing that “violence pays no one”.

“Violence and war are not going to do anyone any good”, Osinbajo said, adding that “wars today hardly ends. No one who has seen the face of wars even on television would wish it for anyone. We shouldn’t tolerate hate speeches or divisive comments.”

He reiterated Federal Government’s resolve to deal with any trouble maker who threatens the peaceful co-existence of Nigeria.

“There is no doubt on the resolve of government not 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.

Thanking the leaders for their prompt response to the consultative meeting, the acting president said he expects fruitful and frank deliberations at the meeting.

Some of those present at the meeting were Senate President, Bukola Saraki; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara; State Governors – Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu); David Umahi (Ebonyi); Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia); Willy Obiano (Anambra); Rochas Okorocha (Imo); Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari; Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu; National Security Adviser (NSA), Gen Mohammed Monguno (rtd); Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Abayomi Olonishakin; service chiefs, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Ibrahim Idris and some ministers.

Others are former Senate President, Ken Namani; Senator Enyinaya Abaribe; Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife; Awka Catholic Bishop Okoye; Igwebike Onah, Catholic Archbishop of Nsukka; Senator Joy Emordi and Professor Viola Onwuliri.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has said that it is on top of the anxiety created by the ultimatum by a coalition of northern youth groups to Ndigbo to quit the region by October 1, 2017.

The Government assured that all efforts were being made to address the situation.

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, disclosed this while speaking with State House correspondents at the end of the weekly meeting of the Federal Executive Council presided over by the Acting President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Wednesday.

Mohammed said Osinbajo had already commenced talks with critical stakeholders and would continue the discussion aimed at nipping the situation in the bud.

He urged Nigerians not to panic, saying there is no need for anybody to move from any part of the country because of the threat. He added that security agencies are on top of the matter and there is no reason for anybody to panic.

The minister said: “We want to make comments on what is agitating the minds of Nigerians, which is the call for people from certain parts of the country to relocate to their region. Generally very disquieting voices.

“We just want to assure Nigerians that the Federal Government is on top of the matter and that yesterday (Tuesday), the Acting President addressed leaders from the northern part of the country.

“On June 22, there is going to be a meeting of all the groups that is, traditional rulers, religious leaders and leaders of thoughts from both the South East and North part of Nigeria.

“The idea is not just to assure Nigerians that we are doing something about it but also to give comfort to all Nigerians that this matter is completely under control. To assure Nigerians that any Nigerian anywhere is save. The security authorities are completely on top of the matter and that they will deal decisively with any group of people whose conduct that is believed is going to create instability in the country.

“So there is no need for anybody to panic, there is no need for anybody to move from any part of the country. The security agencies are on top of the matter and there is no reason for anybody to panic.”