The Return of Compatriots

Last week in the wake of the strident voices of division in the land, I asked; Whence the Compatriots? Happily compatriots have risen in line with the opening stanza of the national anthem. Today, I present to you quotable quotes of compatriots, who have truly risen to reaffirm Nigerian sovereignty and unity. Witness the quotable […]

Last week in the wake of the strident voices of division in the land, I asked; Whence the Compatriots? Happily compatriots have risen in line with the opening stanza of the national anthem. Today, I present to you quotable quotes of compatriots, who have truly risen to reaffirm Nigerian sovereignty and unity. Witness the quotable patriots; 

Vice President Prof. Yemi Osibanjo

“As we reflect on this event (Civil war) today, we must ask ourselves the same question that many who have fought or been victims in civil wars, wars between brothers and sisters ask in moments of reflection….“what if we had spent all the resources, time and sacrifice we put into the war, into trying to forge unity? What if we had decided not to seek to avenge a wrong done to us? What if we had chosen to overcome evil with good?’”

The truth is that the spilling of blood in dispute is hardly ever worth the losses. Of the fallouts of bitter wars is the anger that can so easily be rekindled by those who for good or ill want to resuscitate the fire. Today some are suggesting that we must go back to the ethnic nationalities from which Nigeria was formed. They say that secession is the answer to the charges of marginalization. They argue that separation from the Nigerian State will ultimately result in successful smaller States. They argue eloquently, I might add that Nigeria is a colonial contraption that cannot endure.

….No country is perfect; around the world we have seen and continue to see expressions of intra-national discontent. Let me say that there is a solid body of research that shows that groups that score high on diversity turn out to be more innovative than less diverse ones. There’s also research showing that companies that place a premium on creating diverse workplaces do better financially than those who do not. This applies to countries just as much as it does to companies. The United States is a great example, bringing together an impressively diverse cast of people together to consistently accomplish world-conquering economic, military and scientific feats.

That, in a sense, should be the Nigerian Dream – the enthusiasm to create a country that provides reasons for its citizens to believe in it, a country that does not discriminate, or marginalize in any way. We are not there yet, but I believe we have a strong chance to advance in that direction. But that will not happen if we allow our frustrations and grievances to transmute into hatred. It will not happen if we see the media – television and radio and print and especially social media – as platforms for the propagation of hateful and divisive rhetoric. No one stands to benefit from a stance like that; we will all emerge as losers.

These are the standards to which we must hold our leadership. We must not permit our leaders the easy but dangerous rhetoric of blaming our social and economic conditions on our coming together. It is their duty to give us a vision a pathway to make our unity in diversity even more perfect.”

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode 

“I also want to join the Chairman of Council of Obas and Chiefs in Lagos State to reiterate our support for the Federal Government to keep the unity of Nigeria and also uphold the tenets of the Constitution. We are very happy that all our traditional rulers in Lagos believe in oneness of Nigeria. “We are happy also that we are very accommodating. We are also happy that we allow people from other tribes to live with us and we are ready to do everything to support the Acting President and the Federal Government in general that every effort they make, we will ensure that Lagos remains peaceful and then Nigeria remains peaceful.”

Progressive Governors Forum 

“As governors elected under APC, we will work with our party leaders, the Federal Government and all Nigerians who are committed to democratic development of all parts of the country to ensure unencumbered protection of lives of all citizens in every part of the territorial boundary of our nation. “PGF, therefore, calls for the rise of all decent voices across this country to speak up against the upsurge of some desperate movements across all ethnic groups and support the emergence of a stronger and virile, unified Nigeria for us all.” 

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)

“You have been witnesses to the degeneration of the national conversation into threats and counter-threats; of pulling down the federation by disparate and desperate forces, all of which were conveyed in vile and base language. Obviously, these persistent hot exchanges and attacks tend to threaten the very foundation and integrity of our sovereignty and unity; and, therefore, do not represent the true feelings of patriotic Nigerians for one another. Labour has, over the decades, stood for one Nigeria, right from our founding fathers who were in the front line of the struggle for independence, through our leaders who led the masses to fight against imposition of neo-liberal policies by military dictatorships which have culminated in the prevailing hardship that Nigerians from all corners, North, South, East and West, are facing”

His Eminence, Sultan of Sokoto. 

“We don’t have to resort to uncomplimentary remarks or violence to make our demands heard because insecurity doesn’t help anybody. Violence does not pay or resolve any problem. We should stop looking down on others unless we want to lift them up. We should understand ourselves and respect one another. It is a simple thing because we are all eager to live in peace, united and to have a morally upright country based on justice, equity and above all the fear of God”

Viva a united and indivisible Nigeria! 

Eid Mubarak.