Need for unity

I want my Nigerian Christian compatriots to see the truth in the unity of Nigeria, unlike ever before. I make this call out of patriotism, hoping that my message will not be misconstrued. When the Nigerian legend, Benedict E. Odiase, composed the national anthem asking the compatriots to arise and obey the national call to freedom, peace and unity, he did not target members of a divided nation on frivolous lineages. He meant Nigerian citizens of all cultures, religions and political attachments.

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I have tried and have continued to conduct research on the level of distrust which Nigerians habour especially on religious lines. I often tend to believe that religion is also a great problem in Nigeria. Christians complain of Muslims and vice versa. The only things that have invaded our religious milieu are corruption and mass looting. Even then, both are conspicuously considered in the award of inflated contracts and diversion of public funds. Is it possible to adopt a single religion in Nigeria? Verily, it is not possible. No citizen should be compelled on religious basis, though each religion has its area of predominance.

While it is unarguably established that the problem of Nigeria is leadership, the problem is compounded by the divisive tendencies that religion throws up. Let all eligible voters get their permanent voter cards and vote with their conscience in 2019.

Muhammad Ajah, Abuja.