Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said Nigeria is trapped in the web of poverty, insecurity and bad governance.

Atiku spoke during a lecture on Thursday organised by Arewa media and Development Forum in Kaduna.

He, however, added that a united Nigeria was possible if all Nigerians were treated fairly and equally.

He said all Nigerians were faced with common enemy, adding that “it is only through unity that we can surmount and overcome our challenges.”

Speaking on the theme, ‘Unity in Diversity,’ as delivered by Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, the former Vice President said all Nigerians should be treated equally.

He said, “I don’t see any Nigerian as Igbo, Hausa or Yoruba. When I see you, I see you as a Nigerian and I expect the best from you. That is why I didn’t select where I should marry from. I married women from the diverse background because I don’t look at their backgrounds. I only see them as wonderful Nigeria women. My children have brothers and sisters from different background and that is why I am confident that a strongly united Nigeria is possible because I made it happen in my family.

“All Nigerians are equal and supposed to be treated equally; unity is not about homogeneity, but by accepting the diversity in differences between us. This kind of unity cannot be achieved by accident; there must be strategic efforts to promote unity.

“Language is another primary source of disunity; that is why I recommend a national law to mandate every Nigerian to speak one more language from another region of the country, so that we can connect and appreciate things we share in common.

“Atiku added, “Our common enemies do not recognise who is from the South or North, Muslim or a Christian. If we stand divided we will be trapped by the enemy. We can only escape if we work together.

“Unity is your strength; as long as you stay united no harm can come our way. Just like the pigeons we are all trapped in the net of poverty, insecurity, backwardness and bad governance and the only thing that can save us from this trap is unity.”

Meanwhile, the Akwa Ibom State’s helmsman expressed concern that the bane of Nigeria’s unity has to do with nepotism.

Emmanuel noted that there was more diversity than unity among Nigerians presently compared to time past when every Nigerian could win election irrespective of ethno-religious and regional backgrounds.

The governor who was the guest speaker at the lecture argued that the people needed the nation as a melting pot, where the identities remain but the flavours blend, “where, as the first stanza of our former national anthem so emotionally enjoined, ‘though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand.’

“What we see nowadays is a country where ethnic champions drive the narrative, and the cacophony of discordant voices makes it difficult for us to hear ourselves.”

He added, “We must ensure that there is equity and justice and that no part of the country is made to feel less of itself as this will definitely not augur well for our union.”

helinues:


Born again, reformed Fulania man, Atiku.

Even though some people claimed Fulani have been the one behind the dilapidated state of their region, na still same Fulani they wan still lick his ass for 2023..

If that's not confusion of the highest order, then tell me what is it.

PrinceOfLagos:
This man could be the next president if APC fields Tinubu for 2023

PrinceOfLagos:

Yes, Atiku will be the next president of Nigeria only if APC fields Tinubu

helinues:


Some of you people are noobs when it comes to politics.. Is Atiku loved in North where he is from?

Can Atiku defeat Tinubu in Southern region?

Tinubu has made so many people who they are today irrespective of region, religion, party, who Atiku help?

PrinceOfLagos:

Atiku and Tinubu will share southern votes

But up north , you just gotta give it to Atiku because the northerners don't like and trust Tinubu.

helinues:


Says someone which almost all his predictions, supports have been doomed..

Abeg, vamoosed

PrinceOfLagos:


Doomed by your rigging , snatching of ballot boxes and manipulation of elections results .

Conduct a free and fair election and APC will be history

helinues:


Was USA election rigged? Make we even put election aside, how about local politics, Onnoghen, End SARS, Kanu, Pantami, Kyari e.tc You and your likes lost all those listed arguments.. Abi no be so.

Then I ask again, which major things have you supported that are the real deal? Name one

SmartPolician:


I don't believe this, please.
Atiku is a rich man, so he can take care of his wives and children.

He will give them the best things of life.
Where tribe and religion become a factor is where favouritism creeps in.

In other words, if justice, fairness, and equity become the fulcrum of leadership in Nigeria, the country will be a lot stable.
The law that applies to A should apply to B.

Despite their huge population, countries like the US, China and Brazil have done well for themselves. It's not magic; people just need to be treated justly, fairly and equitably.

PrinceOfLagos:

I supported the last Endsars protect should hold and it held .

I supported Aba kyarri be booted out of office after his questionable link with hushpuppi got bursted and he was shown the way out of the police yet disgracefully .

PrinceOfLagos:


Doomed by your rigging , snatching of ballot boxes and manipulation of election results .

Conduct a free and fair election and APC will be history

PrinceOfLagos:
This man could be the next president if APC fields Tinubu for 2023