Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has warned that there are cracks that could lead to a break up of the nation if not carefully addressed.
Osinbajo gave the warning at an interdenominational church service to commemorate Nigeria’s 60th Independence anniversary held at the National Ecumenical Centre on Sunday.
Speaking through Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and his representative at the event, the Vice President said efforts to mend the crack might be opposed, but such opposition would be defeated with focus and consistent prayers.
“The story should be a challenge to every Christian in Nigeria. It’s only that kind of Nehemiah’s love that will make us, as Nigerians, to rebuild the cracks we have in our walls today,” said Osinbajo.
“For us in Nigeria, Nehemiah should be taken as a metaphor for those Nigerians who either reside in Nigeria or outside, to cry to God to use the abandoned opportunities in Nigeria to address our challenges of nation-building.
“Fortunately for us, our walls are not yet broken, but there are apparent cracks that could lead to a break if not adequately addressed.
“Nehemiah started with fervent prayers, seeking the face of God and pleaded with his king to allow him to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the broken walls because the wall signifies peace, security, contentment and prosperity. It represents the essence of the state of the nation.
“There’s an urgent need for a Nehemiah in our country, Nigeria, today. And like Nehemiah faced opposition in his efforts to rebuild the walls, any Nigerian that desires to rebuild Nigeria must also be ready to face stiffer opposition which will come in torrents. It can only be diffused by consistent focus and prayers.”
