In his ongoing consultative meeting with leaders across the country, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has urged leaders across the country to speak out against hate speeches and divisive comments.

Some of those present at the meeting were Senate Preaident Bukola Saraki, Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara, Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, Anambra State Governor, Willy Obiano and Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha. Others included Chief of Staff to the President Abba Kyari, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, National Security Adviser, Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, the Inspector General of Police, and several ministers.

Others are former Senate President Ken Namani, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Catholic Bishop of Awka Jonas Okoye, Catholic Archbishop of Nsukka Prof. Godfrey Igwebuike Onah, Senator Joy Emordi and Professor Viola Nwuleri.

Osinbajo said the meeting was very urgent and crucial because of the current loud voices of hate speeches and divisive comments resonating across the country stressing that the situation required urgent attention from all concerned.

He noted that "this is not the time to hide under any ethnic or religious platform to support comments that divide rather than unite us as a nation."

He urged leaders to raise their voices against the present strident divisive speeches in the country, stressing that "violence pays no one."

"Violence and war are not going to do anyone any good," Osinbajo admonished, adding that "wars today hardly ends and no one who has seen the face of wars even on television will wish it for anyone.

"We should not tolerate hate speeches or divisive comments."

He reiterated Federal Government's resolve to deal with any trouble maker who threatens the peaceful coexistence of Nigeria.

"There is no doubt on the resolve of gthreatens not to allow anyone get away with hate speeches and divisive words. Our emotion should not be allowed to run wide to threaten the existence of anyone anywhere in Nigeria. We will do everything within our power to protect the lives of every citizen anywhere and in any part of the country," he said.

While thanking the leaders for their prompt response to the consultative meeting, the Acting President said he expected fruitful and frank deliberations at the meeting.

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