The vice president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has expressed the fear of Nigeria’s imminent break up if the obvious cracks are not repaired.
Osinbajo who spoke at an interdenominational church service held at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja on Sunday to commemorate Nigeria’s 60th Independence anniversary referenced the biblical story of Nehemiah saying “it’s only that kind of Nehemiah’s love that will make us, as Nigerians, to rebuild the cracks we have in our walls today.”
The vice president who was represented by the secretary to the government of the federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, said efforts to mend the crack may be opposed, but such opposition would be defeated with focus and consistent prayers.
“The story should be a challenge to every Christian in Nigeria. It’s only that kind of Nehemiah’s love that will make us, as Nigerians, to rebuild the cracks we have in our walls today.
“For us in Nigeria, Nehemiah should be taken as a metaphor for those Nigerians who either reside in Nigeria or outside, to cry to God to use the abandoned opportunities in Nigeria to address our challenges of nation building.
“Fortunately for us, our walls are not yet broken but there are obvious cracks that could lead to a break if not properly addressed.
“Nehemiah started with fervent prayers, seeking the face of God and pleaded with his king to allow him return to Jerusalem to rebuild the broken walls because wall signifies peace, security, contentment and prosperity. It signifies the essence of the state of the nation.
“There’s an urgent need for a Nehemiah in our country, Nigeria, today. And like Nehemiah faced opposition in his efforts to rebuild the walls, any Nigerian that desires to rebuild Nigeria must also be ready to face stiffer opposition which will come in torrents. It can only be diffused by consistent focus and prayers,” he said.
Osinbajo however, expressed optimism that the 60th Independence anniversary could herald a rebirth adding that “no group is more prepared for this task than our religious bodies.”
The service was attended by representatives of the senate president, Mr. Ahmad Lawan; speaker of the house of representatives, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila; head of service of the federation, Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan; permanent secretaries, military officials, members of the diplomatic community and other senior government officials.
