The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Pastor Usani Uguru Usani, says the potential of a united Nigerian front is far higher and more comprehensive than otherwise.
Usani said this in an Interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Thursday.
He said that all Nigerians should channel their energies toward what could unite the people and agree to harness the most vital potential so as to convert them to building a better society.
According to him, proposing secession is not a solution to our quarrels.
The minister said that all over the world, people had disagreed with themselves over a long list of issues and would continue to disagree over issues of survival and interests.
He said the current disagreement in Nigeria was neither peculiar nor special, adding that it was part of human nature.
Uani said: “Any form of secession will ultimately destroy the Nigeria of our dreams and all that the country portends in potentialities and actualities.
“If those who propose a secession of Nigeria channel their energies toward the unity, strength and success of Nigeria, we will be a better success story.”
The minister said the agitation for secession would end up plunging the country into perpetual chaos.
According to him, Nigeria stands as a beacon of hope to the peoples of the world and its unity is of more far-reaching positive consequence than any sort of division on whatever lines.
He said: “The geographical space Nigeria occupies in the world map is strategic, not only in the sovereignty of her borders but in God’s move on the African continent.”
On the development of Niger Delta region, Usani said he led a team to Brussels to meet with European Union as part of efforts to develop new partnerships vital to the region’s development.
He said: “We held engaging interactions with the EU to partner on a Cancer Centre in the Niger Delta.
“We shared with experts and investors our plans to tackle cancer in the region.’’
He said with the EU support the region would establish a centre which would help with early detection of cancer and facilitate treatment.
Usani said the centre would be set up in an existing health institution where there would be enough staff ready to handle cases.
He said: “We also explored options on making the cancer centre operate on a for-profit basis.
“This will help generate funds for the centre, pay professional staff as well as in maintaining facilities.”
– NAN