…Lauds Nigeria-Russia Deal

 Benjamin Omoike

The Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide, an apex youth umbrella organisation in the Southwest, yesterday passed a vote of confidence on the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, over his call on the need for self-regulation in the individual use of the social media, describing the move as crucial in promoting mutual peace and dousing any tension in the country. 

The group also specifically commended  President Muhammadu Buhari and Professor Yemi Osinbajo-led administration for its commitment at improving the welfare of Nigerians and tackling national challenges, said Osinbajo’  call for self-regulation in the individual use of the social media, while downplaying any attempt of government regulation during an inter-faith leaders conference at the Shehu Musa Yar’ Adua Centre in Abuja recently was good move to sustain peace in the country.

The council, in a statement signed by its President, Aremo Oladotun Hassan, a lawyer,  however, pledged its  continued support to the Buhari/Osinbajo-led administration, especially with its commitment towards improving the nation’s economy and addressing the country’s security challenges.

 According to the statement, “Indeed, as individuals and citizens of this great nation, it is our responsibility as good citizens to use social media positively and not allow it to become an instrument to promote conflict or heat up the polity. Thus, we must regulate ourselves on social media, even without government regulation.

“The Vice President also harped on the importance of national unity and brotherhood among all Nigerians. We see this move as most important to promoting mutual peace and dousing any tension as a result of some individuals who try to stoke the embers of bigotry, religious differences and ethnic sentiments via vituperations on social media. Again, this calls for all Nigerians to guard against the excesses on fake news and lies promoted on social media platforms that are capable of triggering civil disorder and unnecessary crises.

The council, therefore, commended the Vice President for his patriotism, competence, and doggedness in the face of targeted political onslaughts against his much regarded reputation, adding that  “We are encouraged that the President continues to demonstrate his commitment to the lofty partnership Nigerians have always known both himself and the VP for. Indeed, Buhari/Osinbajo have earned our vote of confidence and this has cemented our belief that under their leadership, Nigeria shall rise again as the giant of Africa indeed.”

Expressing confidence in the administration  to tackle security and other challenges, the council said the successful meeting President Buhari held with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, was a clear indication of the federal government’s commitment to improve the welfare of the citizens through enhanced security and economy.It added that  despite the unfortunate incidents of kidnapping and banditry in some parts of the country, it was confident that the efforts of the administration in the fight against insurgency in the North East, armed banditry, kidnapping and other sundry crimes in other parts of the country would soon yield positive result.

The statement read: “Despite the unfortunate incidents of kidnapping and banditry in some parts of the country, we are confident that the efforts of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari/ Prof. Yemi Osinbajo to resolve these challenges would yield positive rewards in no distant time.“This is already evident in the successful meeting President Buhari held with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, which is aimed at building stronger bilateral relationship between both nations, for a mutually beneficial economic and security ties.

While commending President, Putin and the entire Russians for giving Africa a ray of hope and support, he reiterated that Russia was a strong and dependable super power and ally, hence Nigeria’s recent move in Sochi was highly commendable.

 “It is important to highlight Presidents Buhari and Putin’s landmark meeting on Wednesday wherein both agreed to put Nigeria-Russia relations on the front burner and pursue the completion of all abandoned projects initiated by both countries. The two leaders also agreed to start new infrastructure projects and expand trade and investment, security and military support at a bilateral meeting held on the sidelines of ongoing Russia-Africa Summit, in Sochi, Russia, last Wednesday,” it added. 

Hassan pledged the council’s continued support to the Buhari/Osinbajo-led administration, especially with its commitment towards improving the nation’s economy and addressing the country’s security challenges.

“As President Buhari noted in Sochi, Russia, while speaking to a gathering of Nigerian students and professionals, we believe that his government is truly committed to protecting Nigerians at home and abroad.”