Sunday, July 5, 2026

EU, peace committee urges unity among Nigerians

“We have to liberate ourselves. I am talking of the 250 million Nigerians who are not politicians,” said Mr Onaiyekan.

• December 3, 2025
Nigerians

The National Peace Committee and the European Union have called on Nigerians to prioritise a shared national identity above ethnic, religious, and regional affiliations.

They warned that the country risks worsening instability if these longstanding divisions continue to dominate public life.

The call was made during the NPC’s discourse titled ‘Nigeria’s National Identity; Revisiting the Indigene–Settler Question’, in Abuja on Tuesday.

Matthew Kukah, convener of the NPC, said that, despite decades of nation-building efforts, Nigeria remained distant from the aspirations of its founding fathers.

He observed that the country is still plagued by “miniature internal wars”, conflicts, and tensions that undermine national cohesion and obstruct meaningful progress.

He stated that Nigeria’s Constitution already outlined a framework for national integration.

He stated that Section 14 of Chapter 2 required that government composition and conduct reflect the nation’s diversity to prevent the dominance of any one group.

According to him, Section 15 prohibits discrimination and guarantees citizens’ freedom of movement and residence across the country.

Mr Kukah stressed that Nigeria’s divisions have created cracks, adding that Nigeria would not grow alone because of its tribes, faiths, social status or faith.

Reflecting on the NPC’s origins, Mr Kukah explained that it was created in 2014 to provide hope, foster unity, promote reconciliation, and support a democratic process capable of delivering national cohesion.

Zissimos Vergos, deputy head of the EU delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, commended the NPC for its contributions to nation-building.

Mr Vergos said the EU strongly believes in dialogue and critical reflection as tools to ease societal tensions, debunk harmful narratives, and develop solutions.

According to him, nation-building depends on ensuring that all Nigerians, regardless of their origin, ethnicity, or length of residence, enjoy equal rights to live, participate, and prosper.

“The EU stands with Nigeria in building a robust citizenship framework capable of creating an inclusive society grounded in federal character principles and residency rights,” said Mr Vergos.

He said that discriminatory practices rooted in historical grievances undermine state legitimacy and impede development, but reforms such as guaranteed rights after sustained residency could transform divisions into strengths.

Cardinal John Onaiyekan, a member of the NPC, noted that while the NPC has helped improve elections, it is still “a work in progress”.

Looking to the 2027 elections, Mr Onaiyekan urged political actors to uphold democratic principles, saying that democracy cannot survive without credible elections. He appealed to Nigerians to reject bad elections and demand better governance.

“We have to liberate ourselves. I am talking of the 250 million Nigerians who are not politicians. I don’t know how we can organise ourselves, but let everybody know we are not ready anymore to accept bad elections.”

(NAN)

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Emeka Iroegbu

Diaspora

Diaspora group condemns alleged killing of two Nigerians in South Africa, demands justice

NUSA said it has commenced engagement with the police to ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted and that justice prevails.

Taraba chief judge Joel Agya

States

Taraba chief judge lauds Tinubu’s move to establish state police

The chief judge said the issue of state police was crucial given the spate of criminality in the country.

Abiodun Oyebanji

States

Ekiti govt orders free treatment for rescued worshippers

Oyebanji directed the Ministry of Health and Human Services to oversee the welfare and well-being of the rescued worshippers.

Oyo abducted pupils and teachers.

States

Rescue operation ongoing for abducted Oyo pupils, teachers: Army chief

The victims were abducted on May 15 from three schools in the Orire Local Government Area of Oyo.

Gov. Radda vows zero tolerance for gender, child abuse

States

Gov. Radda vows zero tolerance for gender, child abuse

The governor pledged sustained collaboration with relevant stakeholders to strengthen prevention, response, and support mechanisms for GBV victims.

Xenophobia Attacks

Diaspora

Consulate demands justice as another Nigerian killed in South Africa

The consulate called on the South African government to launch an investigation into all alleged murder cases and prosecute perpetrators.