We’ll Make Nigeria Great Again If We Think Less OF Tribe, Religion – Ekiyor

Nigerians from the six geo-political zones of the country have been urged to let go the toga of ethnic bigotry and unite as a people to make Nigeria a strong and virile country that it was in the early days of independence.

Former President of the Ijaw Youth Congress(IYC), Dr. Chris Ekiyor, gave the advice while speaking at the summit of the Integration Summit Group Nigeria, held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Saturday, November 12, 2016.
Ekiyor who is  the convener of the programme said that it was time for Nigerians to forget their ethnic background and unite to make the country a great nation that all can be happy with.

He stated that the pursuit of regional interest has never solved any problem, adding that it was time for all Nigerians to come together and build a stronger nation that everybody would be proud of.

“We must realise that diversity is our strength. We must capitalise on this for the good of our country,” he said.

He likened Nigeria to a tripod stand, noting that if one of the stands is removed “it loses its balance. We should see Nigeria as our country no matter the tribe that you come from” noting that Abuja must be considered as a city that belongs to all and that the resources used in building Abuja must be replicated In other cities in the country.

The former commissioner in Delta State also stated that patriotism was fast lacking in the national psyche and must be addressed urgently.

“Patriotism on the part of leadership must be taken seriously. Nigerians must take the Nigerian project more seriously than ever if we really want to build a strong nation which I know we can,” he said.

He lamented the lack of unity schools which was the pride of Nigerians before now which is why people of liked minds from the six geo-political zones have come together to form the Integration Summit Group Nigeria in order to address the thin lines that divide the country.
“When there is crisis as we stand, our tribes and religion will not count. What will count is our ability to do something. That is what nation states have done. We balkanized our country. Israel, America and other countries are strong because of what they believe in. It is only when we are nationally integrated that we can overcome our differences.”
Dr. Ekiyor stated that Nigeria could only be strong as a nation when there is a national integration where all shades of opinion could be taken into consideration without necessarily thinking of region or tribe.

Credit: onnlive.com