President Bola Tinubu has called for national unity, describing Nigerians as “one single, huge family” despite the nation’s diversity.
His appeal follows renewed attacks in Benue State, where suspected Fulani pastoralists killed several residents.
Speaking on Monday during the commissioning of the Greater Abuja Water Supply Network (Loops 1, 2, 5 & 6), Tinubu extended condolences to Benue citizens and announced plans to visit the state on Wednesday.
“While I sympathize with the Benue people, I have spoken to the governor, the leadership, and the people of Benue to accept our condolences and try hard, very consciously, to maintain peace and harmony among themselves,” the President said.
Emphasising the need for cohesion, he stated, “We are one single, huge family living in the same house, staying in different rooms, but living together in harmony. This should be the result of our diversity for prosperity. We should be able to manage our anger and frustrations.”
Tinubu said he would adjust his schedule to visit the troubled state, declaring, “I will see Benue people on Wednesday.”
While inaugurating the water supply project, Tinubu described it as critical to his administration’s infrastructure goals.
“Water is life; it is not a luxury. It is a basic human right and a foundation for public health, urban development, and economic growth,” he said.
He praised FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for delivering the project, noting, “This water infrastructure is not only a technical milestone but a moral one because it is about equity, ensuring no part of Abuja is left behind.”
Tinubu reiterated his commitment to improving infrastructure, calling power, roads, and housing “the building blocks of our dignity and prosperity.”
He also thanked international partners, particularly China, for their support.
Earlier, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike recounted how the project, awarded in 2017 at $470 million, was completed under Tinubu’s administration.
“When we boarded, you asked about the train project and water supply delay. Today, we are commissioning this water scheme, thanks to your leadership,” Wike said.
He added that procurement was nearly finalised to extend the water supply to satellite towns like Bwari, Kubwa, and Karu.
“We believe that these projects will also be commissioned by your third anniversary, unlike this one, which took eight years,” he assured.
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