The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, on Saturday, urged Nigerians not to allow desperate politicians to divide them along religious and ethnic lines, especially during the election period.
The former Anambra State governor made the appeal after receiving the 2024 Courageous Citizen Award at an event organised in Abuja by the Nigerian-American Coalition for Justice and Democracy.
Obi, who was represented by his party’s governorship aspirant in Anambra, Valentine Ozigbo, emphasised that the massive turnout of voters at the 2023 general elections was proof that the people are tired of the old order and a new Nigeria is possible.
He said, “It was a time Nigerians united and spoke with one voice regardless of tribe, tongue or religion. The 2023 election wasn’t a Christian or Igbo project. It was a Nigerian project. I saw our legends and elder statesmen come together for the first time. I was glad to see people like former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Pa Ayo Adebanjo and others stand their ground.
“I am saying this to correct the impression that the Yoruba hate Igbo people. There is nothing like that. Too numerous people from different ethnicities thronged the pit to show their support. A lot of people made certain sacrifices because we just wanted to say ‘Enough is enough’ in Nigeria. Imagine those who had lost their lives for the cause of a new Nigeria.
“I am happy one of such families is represented here today. These are unsung heroes. And so I want to plead. Don’t you ever allow politicians to divide you by saying ‘This person is not from our tribe or practise our religion.’ Those days are gone. This is why we are also here today because we need to keep encouraging ourselves.”
Obi said it was high time Nigerians stopped turning themselves into available tools for politicians to use.
“A Greek philosopher once classified people into three categories. He described the first category as the idiots. The idiots are those who are selfish and self-centred. Everything they do is just about them alone at the detriment of others.
“The second category describes tribesmen who only want to mingle with their ethnicities and religions as against chasing a common goal. The third category talks about citizens. These believe in the pursuit of a common goal, live and let live civility and the need for a better society. Which category are you as a Nigerian?” he asked.
In other categories of awards, former President Olusegun Obasanjo; a leader of the Pan Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebajo; Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Diocese, Rev. Matthew Kukah were given special recognition.
Other recipients were the founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo; Veteran singer and activist, Charly Boy; human rights activist, Dele Farotimi; singer, Folarin Falana, popularly known as ‘Falz’ and social activist, Aisha Yesufu.
Addressing journalists after the presentation, the Chairman of the Nigerian-American Coalition for Justice and Democracy, Prof Eddie Oparaoji, explained that the awards were given to celebrate some notable heroes of Nigeria’s democracy.
