Government determined to keep Nigeria united - Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to prioritize national unity and engage in dialogue to bridge their differences, asserting the government's determination to maintain a united country. Represented by the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, Tinubu addressed the International Conference on Security and National Unity, highlighting the administration's commitment to tackling security challenges and fostering global peace through international collaboration.

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Not only that, the government is determined to make sure that we remain united as a country, despite our differences, any differences, that we should talk and remain in this country, and allow this country to remain as a united nation, a united country.

Tinubu stressed that despite existing differences, Nigerians should engage in dialogue to ensure the nation remains united. He noted the timeliness of the conference, given the global security challenges, and expressed confidence that its deliberations would contribute to achieving sustainable regional, continental, and global peace. He also commended the Muslim World League for its partnership with Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS) and for choosing Nigeria as the host nation.

National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, cautioned political leaders against leveraging religion and ethnicity for political advantage, warning that such actions could inflict lasting damage on the country. Yilwatda advocated for Nigeria's diversity to be a unifying force, emphasizing that religious and ethnic differences should not overshadow shared humanity and common destiny.

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When violence comes, it does not ask whether you are a Christian or a Muslim before it destroys either your home, or your humanity, or your dignity.

Recounting his experience as a displaced person during the Bauchi crisis, Yilwatda illustrated that violence affects all Nigerians, regardless of religious affiliation. He urged politicians to resist the temptation to weaponize identity, stating that temporary political gains could lead to permanent national damage. Religious leaders were also called upon to promote peace and reconciliation rather than division.

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We may worship differently, or we may suffer together. We dream together, we can build together, and ultimately, we can rise and fall together.