Ahead of the 2023 general elections, former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan has called on young people to reject those trying to divide the country with ethnic and religious politics ahead of the 2023 elections.
He made this call on Saturday giving a speech in Owerri at the 80th birthday symposium of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
Jonathan pointed out that Nigeria’s politics is steeped in ethnicity and religion ‘to the detriment of our country and our own collective roots. I think we need to reduce this.’
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He added: ‘Collectively, if we work together and accommodate our differences, we can build a nation where everybody would have a sense of belonging. And everyone’s rights would be guaranteed.
“That is the way we must go – a Nigeria where justice and equality reigns.”
Also speaking, Jonathan pointed out that the misconception among a few in Igboland does not any way deter the fact that a vast majority of Igbos hold a special place in the unity and cohesion of Nigeria.
He said; ‘If you look at statements by the different leaders and use Zik as a representation of the Igbo intellectual vision for Nigeria at that time, it shows clearly the Igbos stand on the unity of Nigeria. Today, if people see things differently, it only indicates that there are fundamental issues that, as a nation, we need to address.’
The former president warned against differences, saying, ‘Incoming Nigerian leaders must make efforts to whittle down the antics and spread of divisive politics. They must de-emphasise our differences and emphasise things that bind us together. We have over-ethnicised our politics to the detriment of our country and our collective growth, we need to stop this.’
Jonathan went on to describe Chief Iwuanyanwu as a father, bridge builder, role model for young and emerging leaders in Nigeria.
Guest lecturer and former president-general of Ohanaeze N’digbo Worldwide, Chief Nnia Nwodo, speaking on the topic; ‘Igbo’s Quest for Nigeria’s Unity’ recounted the lifelong ideology of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu’s commitment.
He warned that Igbos cannot be forced out of political reckoning in Nigeria.
