From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has, again, assured Nigerians that President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is not deaf to grievances in parts of the country, with a firm promise to address them.

In a statement to summarise the outcome of the series of consultations he has had with leaders from the North, the South East and the media, in the last two weeks, following an October 1, 2017 deadline by Arewa youths, for the Igbo to vacate the North,  in response to secession demands by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Osinbajo, who said such grievances should be expressed with grace, expressed satisfaction with the consultations.

The Presidency said the meetings were convened “to provide a platform for frank and open discussions between concerned stakeholders and, by extension, the Nigerian public, on issues relating to the unity, peace and security of country.”

Osinbajo’s media aide, Laolu Akande, in a statement, yesterday, said the acting president “will continue to actively engage different segments of the Nigerian population at different stages and formats in the near future.

“The meetings touched on various issues relating to ethnic agitations that have manifested most recently in a call for secession by some groups of youths from the South East, and an ultimatum by Northern youths for south-easterners living in the North to leave the region by October 1 this year. The meetings condemned all the hateful and divisive rhetorics by the concerned groups of Northern and South eastern youths. 

“It also affirmed the primacy of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the ultimate basis for the unity of Nigeria.

“That Constitution guarantees freedom of residence and of movement for all Nigerians anywhere in the country, without fear of discrimination or prejudice,” he said

Osinbajo further affirmed the need to draw a line between freedom of expression, as guaranteed by the Constitution and the degeneration of such expression into hateful rhetorics, prejudice and hatred.

“Under no circumstances will government condone or tolerate hate speech in any way or form,” he said. 

Th acting president also emphasised confronting all grievances and frustrations head-on, however uncomfortable such grievances might seem, instead of ignoring issues and allowing them to fester.

He urged all leaders and elders, regardless of political or ideological persuasion, to speak out more forcefully to counter divisive and hate speech and any form of warmongering.

Osinbajo  appreciated  all the leaders for their time and commitment to the unity, peace and progress of the nation, and assured Nigerians of the determination and resolve of Buhari’s administration to ensure their well-being and security at all times.

“The federal government will continue to actively engage with Nigerians of all shades and opinions in its bid to move the country forward on a path of socio-economic development and ultimate greatness.

Osinbajo met with Northern leaders of thought on Tuesday, June 13,  Southeast leaders of thought on Wednesday, June 14, Southeast traditional rulers on Sunday, June 18,  Northern traditional rulers on Tuesday, June 20, all state governors on Wednesday, June 21, and  publishers and editors of media organisations on Thursday, June 22, 2017.