Nigeria will remain united despite its challenges, First Lady and Senator Oluremi Tinubu said Sunday, insisting the country “will not disintegrate.”
Tinubu made the remarks during a thanksgiving service for the investiture of Most Rev. Sunday Onuoha as Archbishop on Special Duties at the Methodist Unity Cathedral in Abuja. She was represented at the event by Bishop Stephen Adegbite, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission.
“The nation’s stability depends on God. Nigeria will remain one indivisible entity. God will be with Nigeria,” Tinubu said. “We shall celebrate the coming Christmas in peace and joy.” She also congratulated Archbishop Onuoha on his new role.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, urged Nigeria to deepen foreign partnerships to address worsening security challenges, while noting that such cooperation would not compromise the country’s sovereignty.
“The President is a democrat and is open to partnerships that will benefit the country,” Kalu said. He also highlighted the importance of stakeholder engagement, stressing the role of the Church in promoting peace, unity, and nation-building.
Archbishop Onuoha said Nigeria’s security situation had deteriorated and called for external support. “We need help. If somebody thinks we don’t need help, that person is in denial,” he said, likening assistance in security matters to financial or other forms of support.
He also urged national unity and condemned the demonisation of individuals and groups, warning that the continued loss of lives must concern everyone, regardless of religion or ethnicity.
Onuoha pledged to work with faith-based organisations and other stakeholders to promote peace and reconciliation across Nigeria.
NAN