Vice-President Yemi Osibanjo, has identified the elites, corruption, tribalism, religion and other parochial interests as the real enemies of peace, unity and development of the country.
This, Osinbajo said at Igbogene, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, during the dedication of a 10,000-seater ecumenical centre built by Governor Seriake Dickson’s administration.
The Vice President averred that the country was standing on a threshold of the most significant moment in history.
Represented by the Chaplain of Aso Rock Chaplaincy, Pastor Seyi Malamo, Osinbajo said it was time Nigeria begin to re-build its broken walls.
He said that Nigeria had been presented with the greatest opportunities to build and become the African largest economy not only by the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) but also in efficiency and productivity.
“The building being commissioned today is the house of God. We stand on the threshold of perhaps the most significant moment in the history of Nigeria. It is a time for economic challenges, ethnic and religious tensions. I say that we stand on a threshold of the most significant moment in our history, a time to build.
“It is a time when by sheer grace of God, we have the greatest opportunities to build and become not just African largest economy by GDP but also the most efficient and most productive.
“By 2050, Nigeria will be the fourth largest nation by population in the world and we can like China also become one of the most 10 successful economies in the world.
“This is our best moment because we have shown that despite the lowest earnings from oil in the past 15 years and in 2016, we can still build and be involved in capital projects. How is that possible. It is by the grace of God and a commitment to build.
“We have shown that as difficult and painful as recession might be, we have the capacity to come out of it and begin the building of an economy that emphasises productivity and will provide enough jobs. We are in the pains of childbirth and we will soon experience the same sweetness and joy of childbirth.”
The vice-president insisted that corruption, tribalism, religion, parochial tendencies and the attitude of the elites has continued to hamper the progressive moves, growth and development of the country.
He said: “What can hold us back? Two things. First is corruption. We must deal with it decisively. It is difficult because it is systemic affecting all institutions perpetrated by leadership elites that include not just politicians but private sector, individuals and even religious leadership.
“The second is tribalism, religion and other parochial tendencies. Unfortunately because of state failures in some respect, many and even pastors have gone into their tribal groups and speak and act mainly from that perspective.
“But perhaps, the most important problem is the failure of Christian leadership to take our rightful place. The truth of the matter is that the key to the unity and progress of Nigeria is in the church, the church which is the pillar of truth, the church which is the preacher of the gospel of Christ.
“It is the church teaching the gospel of Christ the power of God inbuilt with the revelation that there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave not freeborn, neither male nor female for you are all one in Christ.
The gospel says we must love even those who persecute us.
“This is the wisdom of God and surely it is as true as the scripture that men will find it foolishness of the highest order. We must note that despite the severe persecution of the early Christians, the never once fought back.”
He said the attitude of the elites was one of the biggest problems of the emerging new Nigeria as they were always thinking alike regardless of their political, religious and tribal leanings.
To build a new Nigeria, Osibanjo advocated a new tribe of men and women of all faith, tribe and ethnicity committed to a country run on high values of integrity, hard-work, justice and patriotism.
“They are driven by largely similar motivations. The elites are usually selfish, self-centre and unprepared to make the sacrifices either in service or self-restraint that leaders of successful communities must make.
“Playing the religious or ethnic cards when necessary so as the masses can be happy is grossly cynical and difficult. They are in government, legislature, judiciary and the press. These are those who come together to commit corruption”, he said,
He added: “It is my respectful submission that to build a new Nigeria, we need a new tribe. A tribe of men and women of all faith, tribe and ethnicity that are committed to a country run on high values of integrity, hard-work and justice and love for the country.
“We need a tribe of men and women who are prepared to make the sacrifices of self-restraint that are crucial to building a strong society; who are prepared to stick together, fight corruption side by side and insist on justice even when our friends are at the receiving ends; a tribe consisting of professionals, businessmen, politicians, religious leaders and all others who believe that this new Nigeria is possible.
“Nigeria’s greatest battle is the want to bring integrity and accountability in public service. Righteousness the Bible says exalt a nation. This requires a new way of thinking, a new leadership call, a new tribe.
“It is my prayer that as we dedicate and commission this new and beautiful edifice may the gospel of Christ be preached and may that gospel release the power of God for transforming positively, Bayelsa State and Nigeria be to the glory of God.”
Also, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, described the building as magnificent and beautiful; prayed for Dickson and his wife, who knelt before him.
He said despite his busy schedule, he came to Bayelsa to dedicate the centre because of his love for the state.
In his remarks, Dickson said the building was erected as an interdenominational place for all Christians.
The governor, before the crowd, signed the Ecumenical Centre Management Bill 2017, which was given accelerated hearing and passed by the state House of Assembly, into law and appointed Mr Dotimi Amatare, the chairman of the management board.
He thanked the lawmakers, who were led by their Speaker, Mr Kombowei Benson, for expeditiously passing the bill and charged the management board to preserve the edifice and make it available for all Christians.
“We feel we should acknowledge the supremacy of God not just in our individual lives but in our government but most importantly in the lives of our people and our state. With this building you have a symbol that will remind you always of God’s eternal goodness to our people”, he said.
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