Goodluck Jonathan, former President of Nigeria, has called on Nigerians to elect leaders that will always promote the unity of the nation.
Speaking at a public lecture in Owerri organized as part of activities to celebrate the 80th birthday of the elder statesman, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the former President said its time “Nigerians take charge of our country and elect those who will de emphasize on the nation’s differences”.
He expressed the need to give consideration to leaders who will play down ethnic cleavages in the country, stating that stakeholders must always seek ways of preserving the nation’s unity.
He said Igbos have always stood for the unity of the country, because they hold an important place in the history of Nigeria.
“The people of Rwanda have reconfigured their nation, and today they see themselves as one” he noted.
Jonathan described Chief Iwuanyawu as an elder statesman, a bridge builder, a patriot, who has placed Nigeria’s unity as a priority.
The guest speaker at the lecture, former President General, Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, John Nwodo, expressed regret that Igbos have been shortchanged in many aspects of national development, but assured there is still a ray of hope for them.
“We can still make Nigeria our country. We should stop brooding. The nation owe Igbo a lot. Iwuanyanwu’s birthday gives us the opportunity to re dedicate ourselves to the unity of Nigeria” Nwodo stated.