A former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has underscored the importance of unity and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians amid the ongoing crisis in Rivers.
Speaking on Sunday during a visit to the Jesus Praise Evangelical Ministries International (JPEMI) in Abuja, Fani-Kayode called on leaders to foster unity between Christians and Muslims, as well as between Northerners and Southerners.
Fani-Kayode, who said he had lived in the North for 23 years, highlighted his diverse heritage—being three-quarters Yoruba and one-quarter Fulani—while noting that his children were half Igbo.
According to him, Nigeria’s diversity should be embraced and that leaders must actively promote peace and harmony.
“I hope and pray that peace comes through this day in Rivers.
“Everybody comes together, Just as I hope and pray the same for Nigeria, that we should go from strength to strength and move forward as a nation.
“Regardless of whichever party they are in, one of the things I will say, which might interest you, is the fact that I think that we should encourage leaders who support unity between Christians and Muslims and also unity between northerners and southerners.
“I have lived in the North now for 23 years. I have flipped it. Although I’m a little back in terms of ethnicity, but my children were all born here in the North. They’ve never lived in the South.
“We mustn’t allow this country to break up or to be divided at all cost, “he said.
Fani-Kayode also shared his views on the situation in Gaza, reaffirming his commitment to humanity and his faith.
The former minister emphasised the importance of standing up for righteousness and truth, urging Nigerians to unite and move forward as one nation.
He strongly condemned genocide, asserting that it had no place in the world and that everyone must stand in defense of the weak and oppressed.
“My view on Gaza, for example—I am a firm believer in humanity, and my faith teaches that we must always stand up for the weak and the oppressed.
“No matter who you are or what position you hold, whether your name is Netanyahu or anyone else, you have no right to target women and children or slaughter them. That is not of God. That is not of the living God.
“That is why I stand for righteousness and truth, and I am prepared to say this any day, any time.
“I encourage us all to stand for truth and for Nigeria as a nation. This country must never break, we must not be divided, and we must move forward together,” he said.(NAN)
