Amid growing
calls for secession, the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington,
says Nigerians who preach unity will overcome those calling for secession.
Symington
said this in a speech at an event held in commemoration of the 241st
anniversary of American independence in Abuja on Thursday.
The US envoy
said his country and Nigeria shared many similarities, most notably, diversity.
He said the
first American President, George Washington, had warned that those who seek to
weaken a country would always seek to start by causing disunity.
Symington
said, just like America, Nigeria would remain a united country because of its
determined people and leaders.
He said,
“Every time we have been challenged, we overcame danger because we had
visionary leaders committed to union and citizens committed to ensuring justice
for all.
“Today,
Nigeria is fortunate to have such leaders and citizens. Together, they are
dedicated to keeping Nigeria united and just and to ensuring every Nigerian is
heard and taken into account and treated fairly.
“Together,
those Nigerians will overpower any call to divide this nation.
“Thanks to
them, thanks to you, the lamp of unity and justice burns brightly both in our
nations tonight. And the sight of a united Nigeria’s light lifts Africa and
with it, the world.”
The US envoy
said Nigeria’s diversity is an inspiration to many countries.
He said
that, just like the US, Nigeria’s plurality was a source of strength.
Symington
added, “Wherever I meet a Nigerian, I ask ‘What do you like the most about your
country?’ I like our diversity, our resilience, our energy, our warmth, our
spirit, our food.’
“Just like
the United States, Nigeria is a wonderfully diverse nation whose differences
and diversity are sources of strength and reason for pride.”
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