Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has said that the present cracks in Nigeria might eventually cause the nation’s disintegration if efforts are not made to address them, according to a report in the online news medium, Sahara Reporters.
The Vice President spoke on Sunday in Abuja at an interdenominational church service to commemorate the nation’s 60th Independence anniversary. The service held at the National Ecumenical Centre, Abuja.
Osinbajo, who was represented at the occasion by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, said that though efforts to mend the cracks might be opposed, such opposition would be defeated with focus and consistent prayers.
Dignities who were in attendance at the service included representatives of the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; the Head of Service of the Federation, Folashade Yemi- Esan; permanent secretaries, military officials, members of the diplomatic corps and other senior government officials.
Speaking on the occasion, the VP drew an analogy from the biblical story of Nehemiah who championed the rebuilding of the broken walls of Jerusalem. He said that the story should challenge every Nigerian Christian to unwaveringly love the country like Nehemiah loved Israel as it is only that kind of love that will spur us as Nigerians to rebuild the visible cracks in the nation’s walls today.
He added that Nehemiah should be metaphor for Nigerians who are either residing in Nigeria or in the diaspora, to cry to God in heartfelt fervent prayers to use the opportunities in Nigeria to address our challenges of nation-building.
Osinbajo pointed out that the nation is fortunate that even though there are obvious cracks, its walls are not broken down yet, warning that if the causes of the cracks are not urgently and adequately addressed, they might cause the collapse of the walls.
He urged Nigerian Christians to earnestly pray for the nation because according to him, “Nehemiah started with fervent prayers, seeking the face of God and pleaded with his king to allow him to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the broken walls because the wall signifies peace, security, contentment and prosperity. It represents the essence of the state of the nation.”
He further pointed out that as Nehemiah faced opposition to his efforts at rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, Nigerians who desire to rebuild the nation would face stiff opposition to their dreams. Such opposition, he posited, can only be defeated with consistent focus and prayers.
Nevertheless, the VP expressed his confidence in the fact that the nation’s 60th Independence anniversary could mark its rebirth, adding that religious bodies should be prepared for the task of rebuilding the nation than any other groups.
Post a Comment