Classifying Nigerians as indigenes, non-indigenes a form of apartheid – Osinbajo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says that identifying Nigerians as ‘indigenes’ and ‘non-indigenes’ is a form of ‘apartheid’ and contradicts the nation’s declared aspirations towards equality and unity.

This is as he said that despite the activities of “those with divisive agendas,” Nigeria will prevail over her tribulations due to the resilience, faith, hope and strength of its people.

Osinbajo said this on Thursday at the National Social Cohesion Dialogue organised by the Africa Polling Institute, which was held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.

Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, disclosed this in a statement titled ,‘Nigerians are unbreakable, do not hate each other – Osinbajo’.

Speaking on the need for unity and cohesion, the Vice President said, “In many quarters, there are feelings of alienation and exclusion. To this point, we must recognise how we perpetuate institutional discrimination and cause people to see their identities as weapons for procuring opportunity, often at the expense of others.

“We see this whenever Nigerians are denied opportunity based on their state of origin or because they are ‘non-indigenes.’

“We see it when a Nigerian that has been resident in a state all his life is suddenly excluded from admission into an educational institution or an employment opportunity because he is not considered an ‘indigene.’

According to him, “All Nigerians have a constitutional right to live, work and enjoy their lives in peace and safety under the law. The classification of Nigerians as ‘indigenes’ and ‘non-indigenes’ is a form of apartheid and contradicts our declared aspirations towards equality and unity.

“Our Constitution enjoins the Government to ‘secure full residence rights for every citizen in all parts of the Federation’ and this is imperative that we must commit to across all tiers of Government. All that should matter in evaluating ourselves is where we live and fulfil our civic obligations.”

-Punch