TheCable

Nigeria has found itself in the current “interesting” situation “because it is the will of God to deliver the goods and do the right things for this country”, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo said on Tuesday. 

Osinbajo, who was speaking in Abuja while receiving a delegation of the Muslim Lawyers Association at the presidential villa, also urged Nigerians to be free to practise their religion of choice without any disagreement.

He said he and President Muhammadu Buhari were committed to a new united Nigeria, saying the Nigeria of their dream would be one populated by a “New Tribe” united across divisive lines, be it ethnic or religious.

He urged Nigerians to fight corruption, which is responsible for the current hardship in the country, saying that if it is not challenged, corruption would worsen the situation.

“We should never be divided on religion and ethnicity, everyone is free to practise their own faith. When we come together as a people we must advance the interest of our nation,” he said.

Osinbajo said the N500 billion social investment programmes of the Buhari presidency is a means to energise the economy and deal with issues of poverty in the country.

He said the social investment programmes would train people, create jobs, feed school children from homegrown farming and grant soft loans to traders, artisans and market women.

“All these are ways and means of energising the economy and deal with some of the harshest problems like poverty,” he said.

“We are here at this time because that is the will of God to deliver the goods and do the right things for this country. It is very interesting the situation we find ourselves, but there is great hope.”

Earlier, Kamal Daud, president of the Muslim Lawyers Association, praised both the president and the vice president pledging the association’s support in the fight against corruption and also prayed for wisdom and strength for the government.