Former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Monday urged Nigerians to join hands to build the country.
In their separate remarks at the public presentation of a book authored by Segun Osoba, both said Nigerians should see their diversity as their strength rather than as a dividing factor.
The presentation of the book titled “BATTLELINES: Adventures in Journalism and Politics, at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos, was part of events marking Osoba’s 80th birthday.
Gen. Abubakar, who chaired the occasion, said Nigerians must work together to ensure peace and stability in the country.
Using his longtime friendship with Osoba to represent the many different shades of people in the country, the retired general said; “Notwithstanding the many differences between us, there are also unifying factors.
Both of us want the best for Nigeria and Nigerians. Both of us want Nigeria to be a blessing to Nigerians and Africa; we want Nigerians to walk tall in any country, to be proud of themselves and Nigeria and all these are achievable if Nigerians will put the interest of the country first.”
He praised Osoba for being able to articulate his journey in the book which he described as “readable, interesting and educative.”
In his own comments, Vice President Osinbajo urged Nigerians to recognize evil for what it was and form alliances across all divides to fight it.
He said Nigerians should stop seeing themselves along the lines of religion and ethnicity.
Osinbajo described Boko Haram and Islamic State for West Africa PROVINCE, ISWA, as expansionist ideologies that feed on hate with “satanic desire to control others, “ adding that anybody who did not share their ideology irrespective of religion and race would fall victim in their hand.
“Unity can defeat any evil that threatens the country. We are stronger united, “ he said.
He congratulated Osoba on his birthday describing him as a bridge builder.
The event drew the crème-de-la-crème in the country with the old and young in journalism and politics represented.
