Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, yesterday, encouraged Nigerians to remain constant and relentless advocates of freedom of worship, respect for human rights, fairness, justice, rule of law because they are fundamental to peace and security. Prof. Osinbajo said though the country currently faced security, economic, religious, and ethnic challenges, the collective vision of a united, peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria remained undefeated, 61 years after independence. Osinbajo stated this at the 61st Independence Anniversary Inter-denominational Church Service, and 45th-anniversary service of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), held at the National Ecumenical Centre, Abuja. The Vice President, who spoke ahead of Nigeria’s independence anniversary on Friday, October 1, said there can be no peace in the country without justice and equity. The former governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, who was also at the event charged clerics to tone down their criticism of leaders to avoid derailing them. The trio spoke as they received the Sapphire Award of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in Abuja weekend.
Osinbajo, who spoke on behalf of other recipients, said: “As we have seen in the past few years, there’s a growing ethnic and religious chauvinism, and almost intemperate, vehement and violent dismissal of the views of people of other persuasions and faith without adequate consideration.
“At the same time, there is also the rise of cultural and identity politics. The answer to hate and intolerance and conflicts is the gospel of Jesus Christ. We must believe enough in it, to live it out as our article of faith.
“The gospel commands consideration of the views of others, treating them we would wish to be treated. Our words must be of grace, seasoned with salt.
“We must remain constant and relentless advocates of freedom of worship, respect for human rights, fairness, justice, rule of law because they are fundamental to peace and security. We cannot talk of peace and security without fairness and justice, and compliance with the rule of law.”
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