Lawmakers at the National Assembly have engaged in a long-hour talk, deliberating on the recent uproar on the agitation for secession, restructuring, threats of expulsion, peace and national unity, from different parts of the country.

This followed a motion sponsored by Senator Shehu Sani representing Kaduna Central on ‘The need for National Unity and Peaceful Coexistence in Nigeria’, during the plenary session on Wednesday.

Speaking on the motion, he said it is not unusual in the history of a nation not to face the issue of disunity from the South, East, North and West, but urged politicians to “have courage and conviction to insist that this is something we should avoid.” He added that some nations learn lessons from one civil war and coordinate their affairs in such a manner that they will not have another one.

In his reaction, the Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio, noted that the forces of division across the country have taken a rise, saying it did not start just in a day.

While adding that the respect the country enjoys all over the world today is as a result of our unity and size. Akpabio said: “Look at a country like Sudan, with all their wealth they can’t enjoy it again because they are at war. If some people did not witness the civil war, I did.”

Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso who represents Kano Central, also admonished Nigerians to unite not to fight in this country, saying: “We must not be seen supporting the forces trying to divide the country.”

Another Senator, Olanrewaju Tejuoso, representing Ogun Central advised that “we should encourage our religious leaders to spread the message of ‘One Nigeria’ to all their followers.”

Senator representing Ekiti South, Biodun Olujimi, while reacting, cited the Senate as example, saying: “In the Senate, we work together and keep all differences aside to promote the development of Nigeria,” adding: “Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand, this is from our first National Anthem.”

“What Nigerians don’t know is that the time to split is gone, our youths take it easy, we need this country as one,” Senator James Manager noted, while Senator Chukwuka Utazi quipped that the problem of the country is the leadership.

Utazi added that “If USA can swallow her pride and allow Barack Obama be president, I do not see reasons why Nigerians need people base on regions.”

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