The Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, has decried the spate of violence, general lack of belief in government, mutual suspicion and hate speeches pervading the country’s landscape, urging Nigerians to discontinue such acts.
He made this remark while playing host to ‘Global Initiative for Harmony in Nigeria’ (GHIN), a non-governmental organisation at a public hearing in Abuja.
He reminded the gatherings that countries of the world with larger populations and multi-racial composition have succeeded in building strong nations in relative peace.
While calling on government to increase the capacity of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to deliver in its onerous task of promoting unity among Nigerians, he commended the NGO for the proposal, saying it would, among other things, promote inter-ethnic integration, cohesion, mutual understanding, patriotism and solidarity among Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora, irrespective of ethnic, religious or lingual differences.”
Speaking further, he said, in a country with a population now closing in on the 200 million mark, Nigeria’s diversity should be its greatest strength with collection of individual attributes towards building a united and progressive- driven society.
“If we could be more tolerant of our differences and see ourselves as brothers and sisters, it would be difficult, indeed, to fight, let alone kill over trivial issues that can be settled amicably”, he added.
Making his contribution, the Senate Committee Chairman on Information and NOA Sen Suleiman Adokwe, reiterated the importance of the proposed Bill, saying its relevance in the lives of the teeming populace cannot be overemphasised.
He added that the Bill when passed into law will promote national unity and development of the society.
The sponsor of the Bill, Senator Dino Malaye, opined that the Bill seeks to bring us together as one nation and one people.
