TheCable

Ike Ekweremadu, deputy senate president, says some sections of the country are “totally shut out” of meetings of the national security council.

He said this in Enugu on Saturday at the inauguration of Dan Ajawara, district governor of rotary international, district 91422 Nigeria.

The deputy senate president who was represented by Toby Okechukwu, a member of the representatives, said President Muhammadu Buhari has failed to address the issue despite his promises.

He said the country is more divided now than any other time in its history.

“Today, when the national security council meets, some sections of the country are totally shut out,” Ekweremadu said.

“All pleas to the president to address this dangerous precedent have not been heeded despite various promises.

“As leaders at our various levels, we must emulate those special virtues of Nelson Mandela – forgiveness, egalitarianism, love, tolerance, equity and justice in our personal conducts in order to inspire unity, peace, and patriotism.”

The senator said called on Nigerians to shun hate speeches.

“It is not enough to preach against hate speeches. We must also guard against hate conducts in our various capacities because hate conducts are not only worse than hate speeches, they beget hate speeches, strife, and restiveness,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to uphold the sanctity of human life.

“You do not need to wait until you are able to inspire the entire world. Start from your little corner in that hospital, law chamber, pubic office, classroom, corporate office or shop,” Ekweremadu said.

“Start from your neighbourhood. You never can tell who is watching. Let us uphold the sanctity of human life, the dignity of the human person, and superiority of justice, equity, tolerance, love, and peace.”