Ex-Archbishop Of Canterbury: Nigeria's Future Must Be Decided By Its Citizens

A former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rev. Justin Welby, has said the future of Nigeria must be decided by Nigerians themselves, without surrendering its sovereignty.

At a public lecture organised by Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, as part of activities marking the institution’s 45th convocation, Justin Welby, explained that the action was not a matter for the government alone.

In a statement issued yesterday by ABU public affairs directorate, Office of the Vice-Chancellor, quoted Welby as saying that inter-ethnic and religious harmony requires that Nigeria’s sovereignty is committed to face its own weaknesses, “to seek support when it needs it, and to inform where that is necessary.”

Welby also explained that building inter-ethnic and religious harmony in Nigeria would be a vain dream unless it were grounded in history and reflected the political, economic, and physical environments, including the international context.

“That means those in political, economic, spiritual, social, legal, traditional and other leadership must be willing, among many other demands, to take responsibility for guarding the sovereignty of Nigeria,” he said.

Welby, who spoke on the theme, “Building Inter-Ethnic and Religious Harmony in Nigeria: Pathways to National Unity”, stated that Nigerians must also embrace honesty in building inter-ethnic and religious harmony.

Welby asserted that in no country could corruption be wiped out, stressing that, like weeds in a field, it must be fought fiercely if there is to be a good crop.

He said transparency was also necessary, adding that any action (except security actions, which cannot be revealed in advance) must be explained transparently.

Welby described as “always foolish” hiding the truth of the state of the nation, as transparency requires public accountability.

The religious leader also pointed out that decisive action was equally key to addressing inter-ethnic and religious crises. “Decisive action,” according to him, required ‘firm leadership and a willingness to act, top down, middle out, bottom up.”

He expressed the need to seek the common good as a value for building inter-ethnic and religious harmony, saying it is about treating everyone equally, without fear or favour.