President Bola Tinubu on Thursday said the current difficulties Nigerians are going through can be likened to the pains of childbirth by a travailing mother, insisting that the pains are necessary for the birth of a new nation, Persecondnews reports.
He spoke at the public presentation of an autobiography of elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, “Brutally Frank”, at the Abuja International Conference Centre.
Pointing out that the solutions to the country’s problems may not be immediate, Tinubu urged Nigerians to be actively involved in the process the country’s rebirth.
“We are going through a difficult phase in the history of this country but this pains are pains of birth, birth of a new nation and if you want to celebrate a child, a baby, then the mother must go through some pains.
“But at the end of the day, there is joy, there is merriment when the baby arrives and we will certainly be there.
“Solutions to problems can never be as instant as coffee. But we must certainly be there. I know the removal of fuel subsidy has created some things. And that is why palliatives are being put in place of 100 trucks, fertilizers have been sent to the states, 100 trucks of grains have been sent and more are coming and more buses are also coming.
“We can endure this for a moment. What we’re going through today is for a better tomorrow. Nations are great because citizens have hope. They have hope that tomorrow will be better than today,’’ said the President, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume.
Tinubu was, however, full of praises for Clark, describing him as a great Nigerian, an extraordinary citizen and a believer in the unity of the country.
On Nigeria’s diversity, he said it is complex but added that it is a source of strength for the country.
According to him, he has demonstrated enough capacity for the management of the nation’s diversity with the recent appointments of people into strategic positions across the country.
To Clark, he said: “You are the Iroko of the Southsouth, the eagle of the nation and you believe in the unity of this country and this has been demonstrated in your book personally written by you.
“One wouldn’t be surprised because your boss, our father, General Gowon believed so much in the unity of this country and its territorial integrity. And that is why in 1971, when the war ended and sometime in 2015, President Obama had to appeal to Nigerians not to do anything to undermine the integrity of our country and to respect the wishes of the people.
“Chief E. K. Clark belongs to that very rare form of extraordinary men, a patriot who had at any point in time, would be relied upon to stop any efforts that could lead to the dismemberment of this country.
“We are greater when we are introduced as Nigerians than when we are introduced on the basis of ethnic particularism. This country is structurally complex and structurally difficult but can never be difficult to manage. And that is why the President said I should tell you our polarities, our diverse cultures, languages, our religions constitute a source of strength,’’ he said.
Tinubu also lauded former President Goodluck Jonathan for accepting defeat in the 2015 presidential poll and also
Thanked a one-time Head of State, retired Gen. Yakubu Gowon for what he called his uncommon service to his fatherland.
In his speech, Gowon commended Clark who served as his Federal Commissioner for Information and the only surviving member of his cabinet for his strong character, adding that he was helpful in explaining government policies and promoting national unity.
“I can assure you I have never had any difficulty or argument with him. It was most amicable and respectfully given. However, considering a strong personality, there were of course times that he would vehemently disagree with his colleagues, commissioners and military officers and worked hard to convince them of why his own position is better than theirs.
“He was helpful not only in explaining government policies and programmes in the efforts to rebuild our unity in the country. I also find him useful in our vision of building a common identity within West African subregion,’’ Gowon said, noting that “Brutally Frank” is a chronicle of the events that happened under his administration.
“I, therefore, found his personality and partnership skills as assets in visiting various West African countries to canvass the need for us to have a common regional body which today is known as ECOWAS.’’
On his part, ex-President Jonathan recalled how he never imagined he would one day be a Nigerian President sitting with Gowon in the Council of State meeting and thanked Gowon for his services to the country and keeping Nigeria one.
He described Clark as a person whose vision had helped the security and unity of the country.
Speaking on behalf of other governors, Bauchi Gov. Bala Mohammed, Mohammed, said they had to excuse themselves from the National Economic Council (NEC) presided over by Vice- President Kashim Shettima because of the importance they attached to the occasion and described Clark as a colossus and a mentor.
Persecondnews reports that governors in attendance included Godwin Obaseki of Edo, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, Sheriff Oborevwoi of Delta, Siminalayi Fubara of Delta and Agbu Kefas of Taraba.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja ll ,said Clark would be remembered for what he has done and what he has continued to do for the country.
“Please continue to speak because Nigerians want to keep hearing your voice. You are quiet these days, we still want to hear your voice.”
The Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero, who expressed gratitude to God for keeping Clark alive and healthy, said: “We pray he and Gowon, Jonathan will use there to keep Nigeria united. Let them use their wisdom to show the younger ones why he still allow them to be alive and among us.”
Among the dignitaries at the event were retired Lt.-Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, who is the chief launcher, Labour Party Presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi and the wife of late former Head of State, Mrs Maryam Abacha and traditional rulers from across the country.
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