Former Nigerian President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has challenged the youths to take charge of their future by electing those who believe in Nigeria’s unity and will promote peace, progress, not those who will erect ethnic walls and religious barriers among the people.
The former President who made this known in Owerri, Imo State at a lecture tagged: “Igbo Quest for Nigeria’s Unity”, organized to mark the 80th birthday of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, appealed to Nigerian to de-emphasize their differences and focus on the issues that bind them.
According to the him, “Luckily, we are in an election cycle, so my challenge to the youth is to take charge of their future; by electing those who believe in our unity and will promote peace and progress, not those who will erect ethnic walls and religious barriers among our people.
“Collectively, if we work together and accommodate our differences, we can build a nation where everybody will have a sense of belonging, and everyone’s rights will be guaranteed. That is the way we must go; a Nigeria where equality and justice reign”.
Jonathan said the quest for Nigeria’s unity can be achieved, adding that it, however, requires all stakeholders to work in synergy and imbibe the principle of nationhood above ethnic and religious inclinations.
“Nigeria as a country should know that we need to review certain things. We cannot become slaves to our challenges. If we work together, we can build a nation where everyone will have a sense of belonging”, the Former President said.