Osinbajo: Those waiting for Nigeria to disintegrate will be sorely disappointed

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has urged all Nigerians, young and old, to work for and project the unity of Nigeria, and avoid stoking the embers of divisions.

He stated this during the maiden Progressive Youth Conference organised by APC Youth wing at the International Conference Centre, Abuja on Monday.

The VP stated that those waiting on the sidelines hoping that the country would disintegrate “will be very sorely disappointed and I’m very sure those of you sitting here today will prevent that from happening.”

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He added, “This country can take all of us, regardless of tribe, religion, gender or age, and I want to urge you to continually seek ways of making this union fairer and more just for the benefit of all.

Reiterating the country’s strength in unity in diversity, Osinbajo said, “Our people will be better served by a large, populous and diverse country.

“As with all big and diverse countries, our business is to make the union work. It is to give everyone a sense of belonging. It is to continue to balance the inequities and provide a socioeconomic framework that guarantees everyone a fair chance.”

He added, “an issue of existential importance to our nation is how to deal with the parochial tensions divisive and tendencies arising daily.

“Whatever your view, it has become the responsibility of your generation to fully advance the truth that we are created equal, that our aspirations are broadly the same and that we are all entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. And that, it is the duty of the State to ensure that we are all treated fairly, justly and inclusively.”

“As Mr. President has said, we must also take advantage of the ongoing Constitutional reform process to get our position across. He also said in his June 12th speech that Government is willing to play a critical role in the constitutional amendment process without usurping the powers of the National Assembly. This opens the opportunity for more further engagement on these issues.”