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Tinubu, Uzodimma, Ozichukwu Call for Unity, Trust Among Nigerians
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State have reiterated the importance of unity and trust among Nigerians, stressing the need for faith leaders to promote love, respect, and tolerance.
President Tinubu, represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Senator George Akume, made the call at the first Triannual meeting of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) in Owerri, Imo State.
The President said :”The bedrock of any cohesive society is the invisible thread that binds our hands across ethnic, religious, and cultural lines,” President Tinubu said “Without trust, even the most noble intentions may be mistrusted and distorted, but with trust, we can overcome our differences, resolve complex conflicts, and chart a shared path towards national consensus and greatness.”
Governor Uzodimma, in his remarks, welcomed NIREC members to Imo State and commended their efforts in promoting national unity. He emphasized the importance of love and trust in building a united nation, saying, “We must love one another because you cannot destroy whom you love. And you cannot truly love God, who you have not seen, if you cannot love your fellow human being, who you see every day.”
Uzodimma also lauded President Tinubu’s leadership, saying, “Today, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and Vice President Kashim Shettima have shown that leadership is not always about religious identity but about delivering results.”
He called on religious leaders to use their influence to encourage love, respect, tolerance, and understanding among Nigerians, adding that “religion must never be twisted into a weapon of division.”
The NIREC meeting, themed “Building Mutual Trust for National Unity,” aims to promote dialogue and cooperation among faith leaders and stakeholders to build a more united and peaceful Nigeria.
The immediate past president General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Nze Ozichukwu Fidelis Chukwu in his paper titled Building Mutual Trust for National Unity.
Nze Ozichukwu highlighted the challenges undermining Nigeria’s cohesion, including ethno-religious tensions, hate speech, and a pervasive trust deficit. Quoting Michael Servetus, he noted, “We need not think alike to love alike,” advocating for a unity rooted in mutual respect rather than uniformity. He lamented the rise of divisive sentiments, with terms like “non-indigene,” “marginalization,” and “disenfranchisement” dominating public discourse, eroding pride in Nigerian citizenship.
Nze Ozichukwu praised NIREC’s pivotal role in promoting inter-faith dialogue, conflict resolution, and advocacy for peace. He urged the council to address pressing national issues, including restoring peace in Rivers State, ending farmers-herders clashes, curbing banditry, and securing the release of prisoners of conscience, such as Nnamdi Kanu, as ordered by courts. He also called for an emergency declaration on unemployment and the restoration of systems to sustain Nigeria’s growth.
Proposing strategies for national unity, he emphasized integrity, citizenship mobilization, sensitization, inclusive policies, community engagement, and exemplary leadership. He cited Governor Uzodinma’s inclusive gestures, such as sponsoring pilgrimages for both Christians and Muslims, and President Tinubu’s interfaith marriage as models of unity. However, he challenged NIREC to encourage the President to tolerate dissent and embrace diversity to avert national crises.
Reflecting on historical efforts, Nze Ozichukwu referenced General Yakubu Gowon’s “No Victor, No Vanquished” declaration and the need for reconciliation, rehabilitation, and reconstruction. He stressed that addressing the “National Question” and embracing federalism could pave the way for healing and restoration.
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