Stop divisive utterances, actions, Tinubu warns Nigerians

• Hinges country’s prosperity on justice, equity, mutual respect

From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja 

President Bola Tinubu has warned Nigerians against actions and utterances capable of deepening divisions in the country, saying Nigeria’s unity and prosperity depend on justice, equity, inclusiveness and mutual respect.

Tinubu gave the warning yesterday in Abuja in remarks delivered on his behalf by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, at a workshop organised by the Federal Character Commission (FCC) for the 774 local government chairmen.

The President said Nigeria’s ethnic, cultural and religious diversity remained one of its greatest assets, but stressed that it must be managed with fairness and justice to prevent division and strengthen national cohesion.

“As we continue to build a more united and prosperous Nigeria, let us remain guided by the principles of justice, equity and mutual respect. Let us work together to ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of background, has a stake in the affairs of our nation.

“Nigeria’s diversity remains one of its greatest endowments. Our multiplicity of cultures, ethnicities and beliefs forms a vibrant national tapestry that must be carefully managed through fairness, justice and inclusiveness,” he said.

Tinubu said the Federal Character principle, enshrined in Section 14(4) of the 1999 Constitution, provided the institutional and moral framework for ensuring that the diversity of Nigerians was reflected in the composition and conduct of government at all levels.

He said adherence to the principle was particularly important at the state and local government levels, where equitable representation could promote a stronger sense of belonging and loyalty among citizens.

According to him, such a sense of belonging remained critical to the stability, unity and progress of the country.

The President therefore charged the local government chairmen to make inclusiveness, fairness and transparency the foundation of their administration, stressing that their decisions had immediate consequences for citizens.

“As the closest tier of government to the people, they serve as the primary interface between citizens and the state. The actions and decisions taken at this level have immediate and tangible impacts on the daily lives of our people.

“You, as local government chairmen, carry the immense responsibility of ensuring that governance is inclusive, representative and equitable. You must embody the principles of fairness in appointments, transparency in administration, and balance in the distribution of opportunities and resources.

“By doing so, you strengthen trust in government and reinforce national unity,” Tinubu said.

The President, while commending the FCC for extending its focus to the third tier of government, said laws and institutions alone could not guarantee equitable governance without responsible leadership and ethical conduct.

“It takes visionary leadership, ethical conduct, and deliberate commitment to translate these principles into reality. You must rise above sectional interests and embrace a broader national perspective that prioritises unity over division and inclusiveness over exclusion,” he said.

The Executive Chairman of the FCC, Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, described the workshop as timely, saying it reflected efforts to strengthen the foundations of unity, fairness, inclusion and peaceful coexistence.

Omidiran said national unity could not be achieved through declarations alone, but required deliberate policies and actions capable of giving citizens a genuine sense of belonging.

“Nigeria remains one of the most culturally diverse nations in the world. Our ethnic, linguistic and religious diversities are not obstacles to nationhood; rather, they are valuable strengths capable of driving national growth when managed with equity, justice and sincerity of purpose,” she said.

She said the Federal Character principle was established to promote balanced representation, fairness and inclusiveness in public institutions and governance processes.

Omidiran challenged the local government chairmen to use their positions to strengthen public confidence, social harmony and community development, urging them to ensure that citizens were treated fairly regardless of their tribe, religion or social background.

The FCC chairman also commended the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening local government autonomy, describing an independent and effective third tier of government as critical to deepening democracy and accelerating grassroots development.

“The commitment of the Federal Government to ensuring a more independent and effective local government system represents a significant step toward deepening democracy and accelerating grassroots development across the country,” she said.