Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo has advised Nigerians to rededicate themselves towards ensuring peaceful coexistence as the country celebrated its 61st Independence.
Uzodinma who made the call in an Independence day broadcast on Friday noted that the occasion was worth celebrating considering the numerous challenges the country has faced since it was founded.
He attributed this to the strength and resilience of Nigerians who have continued to stay united in spite of divisive forces of adversity.
“Let us use this occasion of the 61st Independence Anniversary to rededicate ourselves to peaceful coexistence, the labor, sweat, and blood of our founding fathers should never be in vain.
“The spirit of brotherhood, negotiations and compromise that informed the pre and post Independence agreement for a united Nigeria must be reborn in the present generation of leaders.
” There is no gainsaying the fact that 61 years in the life of a nation is worth celebrating; in spite of the challenges that have assailed the nation in the last 61 years, Nigeria is still standing strong.
“The credit for this incredible survival story is mainly the strength and resilience of the great people of our nation, who inspite of the divisive forces of diversity, that relentlessly assail them, have remained resilient and united,” he said.
Uzodinma added ““We must make concerted efforts to build on the sacrifices of our forbears and the blood of our heroes past, to bequeath to the next generation a virile, united and democratic Nigeria where justice and equity are the unassailable bedrock of nationhood.”
The governor commended President Muhammadu Buhari for providing inspirational leadership as the nation was faced with various challenges
He also appreciated the president and security agencies for their support to the state government in tackling its security challenges.
He regretted that the activities of individuals who wanted to sabotage the nation through banditry and other forms of criminality have caused a setback to the country’s progress.
He advised the perpetrators and their sponsors to have a rethink so that funds invested in fighting insurgency could be redirected to more beneficial pursuits.
“Unfortunately, we have had to contend with reactionary elements who want to sabotage the nation for purely selfish and political considerations.
“The unrelenting activities of these elements manifesting in banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality have been a setback to the progress and development of the nation.
“Trillions of naira which would have been used for development are being wasted in fighting insurgency and criminality.
“This is why both the perpetrators and their sponsors should have a rethink so as to release their stranglehold on our economy and advancement,” he said.
Nigeria@60- Independence day is for sober reflection- Bala Mohammed
He further urged Nigerians in the South East to use the occasion to reevaluate the activities of their youths in relation to other Nigerians, their economic growth and future aspirations.
” As a people who suffered the devastating consequences of a 30-month civil war, reason demands that we should be extremely circumspect in the pursuit of our agenda.
” I have said it repeatedly that we stand to benefit more in a united Nigeria where justice and equity define our group existence.
” As a people who are everywhere in Nigeria, we need to remain agents of consolidation, not division and destruction,” he said.
