“No Nigerian Is More Nigerian Than Others, We Own This Country Together” - Oyedepo

 

Image: IG 

Bishop David Oyedepo has called for a broader sense of belonging among Nigerians, saying the country should not be regarded as the possession of any particular religious or ethnic group.

Oyedepo made the statement while speaking during a church service, where he addressed the question of who has the right to claim ownership of Nigeria. He stressed that Nigerians, irrespective of where they come from or the faith they practise, are all part of the country.

He said:

“‘Don’t vote for a Christian, we won’t give it to a Christian. Who’re you to give it? Muslims don’t own Nigeria, we’re not tenants to the Fulanis,no Nigerian is more Nigerian than others. We own this country together. Politicians don’t own the nation, Nigerians own the Nation”

The bishop's remarks centred on the idea that being Nigerian should not be determined by religion, ethnicity or political influence. He questioned the basis for anyone to act as though they have the authority to decide which group has a greater claim to the country.

Oyedepo also referred to Muslims and the Fulani community in making his point, saying Nigerians should not be treated as outsiders in their own country because of their background.

His comments came as part of a wider message about national belonging and the need for Nigerians to recognise that they share the same country. Rather than presenting Nigeria as belonging to one section of the population, he described it as a country jointly owned by its citizens.

He further drew attention to the role of politicians, saying political office does not give anyone ownership of the nation.

 In his words:

“Politicians don’t own the nation, Nigerians own the Nation.”

For Oyedepo, the issue goes beyond who belongs to a particular religion or ethnic group. His message was that every Nigerian should be regarded as having an equal place in the country and should not be made to feel like a visitor or tenant.

He maintained that Nigeria is a shared home and that no individual Nigerian should be considered more Nigerian than another simply because of their religion, ethnicity or position.

The remarks were delivered during his sermon as he spoke about the country and the relationship between its different communities.

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