We Must Preserve Our National Unity — Okogie

Anthony Cardinal Okogie, Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, on Monday called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify effort at curbing the spate of violence across the country.

He made the call in a statement, a copy of which was given to the newsmen in Lagos.

The clergyman urged Nigerians to be more patriotic and strive to preserve the unity of the nation by toeing the line of peace.

Referring to comments on the likelihood of Nigeria disintegrating, Okogie affirmed that no one could divide the country as it was divinely made by God.

“No one can divide Nigeria; the country is like the rock of Gibraltar. It was created by God through the instrumentality of the British Colonial Masters.

“Our diversity, either in tribe, ethnicity or religion, should serve as stabilising factors that would make us strong and united.

“No one can destroy what God has built. Even the bible and Qur’an attest to this fact”.

“I want to call on all agents of disunity, whoever they may be and at whatever guise, to desist forthwith from their evil machinations or face the wrought of the Almighty God,” he stated.

According to the Cardinal, Nigerians have more to gain as a united nation.

“We have all it takes to be a great nation; we have no excuse for being where we are today.

“All we need is purposeful leadership, coupled with the fear of God to reposition Nigeria on the right track of global reckoning.

“This is a big challenge to all our leaders and they must realise that they will all give account to God for how well or otherwise they utilise our abundant resources for the good of all,” he stated.

Okogie expressed regret over the continued state of insecurity in the land through the series of bombings, especially in Kano, Niger, Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States.

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