• Labour Scores Buhari High On Anti-Corruption
By Terlumun Solomon
As Nigeria marks 55th anniversary today, the leadership of the country’s major political parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are united on the need to ensure the survival and well-being of the nation and its people by promoting democratic ideals, patriotism and peaceful co-existence.
While the APC said the anniversary provides an opportunity to remember all the past heroes and the sacrifices they made to keep the nation united and strong, and to rededicate ourselves to their ideals, the PDP urged Nigerians to give deserving respect to President Muhammadu Buhari and refrain from using uncouth language on him.
Also the PDP Governors Forum in a separate statement to mark the occasion, called for national unity at this time more than ever before.
In a message to felicitate with all Nigerians on the Independence anniversary, the APC in a statement in Lagos by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said for the labour of the past heroes not to be in vain, all Nigerians must re-commit themselves to serving their fatherland with love, strength and faith.
‘’We have no doubt that today’s generation of Nigerians have also made and are indeed still making great sacrifices for the peace, unity and stability of Nigeria. We, however, appeal to all our compatriots to continue to put the nation first, and to downplay everything that divides us and embrace that which unites us,’’ APC said.
The party said since democracy is one of the most precious gifts of the nation’s post-Independence era, it is imperative for all to continue to embrace this known best form of government and never to do anything that would undermine it.
‘’We wish all our compatriots a joyous and peaceful celebration,’’ it said.
The PDP, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, said the occasion reminds all of the nation’s common destiny as well as her resilience and determination to succeed in all spheres of life as a strong, united and prosperous nation, irrespective of her challenges.
The party, however, urged Nigerians to use the anniversary to give adequate reverence to national symbols and institutions, including the President, who “can be constructively criticised, but under no circumstance, abused or insulted in any way and under any guise whatsoever.
“On this note, therefore, we expect those around our dear President to be cautious and desist from actions and utterances that tend to set him up for public ridicule,” the party stressed.
It assured that even in opposition, the PDP would continue to ensure that Nigeria is not dragged back to the dark years of dictatorship, by firmly defending the tenets of democracy and provisions of the constitution.
The PDP insisted that the feat achieved through the successful conduct of 2015 general elections and the smooth transition, resulting from the democratic disposition of its leaders, must be sustained, as the country cannot afford to degenerate from its globally acclaimed democratic credentials.
It also commended the military for the successes recorded in the fight against insurgency in the country, even as it commiserated with all those affected by the senseless acts of terrorism and violence.
It also charged those behind the bloodletting to have a rethink and understand that their actions cannot be justified under any guise, and prayed for national peace.
The PDP governors also in a statement by its Co-ordinator, Earl Osaro Onaiwu, urged Nigerians to imbibe the October 1, 1960 message of the late Prime Minister, Tafawa Balewa, that Nigerians should “move with quiet dignity to our place on the world stage.”
The governors urged all “to remember those famous freedom fighters and leaders who not only inspired the country’s Independence struggle but celebrated our nation’s first birthday. The day would remain incomplete without paying marked homage and respect to all those martyrs who sacrificed their lives for gaining freedom from our then colonial masters.
«Let us honour their memory and legacy by showing our love for our families and friends, our respect for each other, and reaffirming our oneness as a people.
«Today is another special day for us to not only ponder whether our country stands on a well-built foundation but also to reflect on our individual and collective attempts to take our country to its desired destination despite several challenges.»
Rededication, Promise
In Bauchi, Governor Mohammed Abubakar called for concerted effort by all stakeholders to grow and develop the country.
A press statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Yakubu Ibn Mohammed, said the governor urged Nigerians, irrespective of their ethno-religion and political differences, to use the period for sober reflection and make commitment to national development.
He stressed that “55 years in the life of a nation is certainly far from a life time but for us in Nigeria it’s a period of significance in our political evolution which dates back to 1914.”
The governor then called for commitment to the Nigeria project, saying that the country can only attain its potential through sacrifice, selflessness and dedication to service.
Also in a statement, Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, said despite “the failures of the past and the challenges of the present, Nigeria still holds promises of becoming the land of our dream, if we are all determined to make it happen.”
The statement signed by Adejuwon Soyinka, Senior Special Assistant (Media) to the governor, said Nigeria “may not have got to the Promised Land and there are still issues which will still confront us as a people, but there is no denying the fact that as a nation we are on the right path.”
“It is therefore incumbent on all of us to build on our strengths – huge population, natural and human resources and the resilient Nigerian spirit – to take our country to where it should be in the comity of nations. We must all continue to make sacrifices for the good of our country.
“The Nigerian project is still work in progress and all of us irrespective of our social, religious and ethnic background must contribute our quota to the development of the country,” he said.
Imo State Governor and Chairman, APC Governors’ Forum, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, also on Wednesday, applauded the fact that Nigeria has remained an indivisible nation, despite the challenges confronting her as a multi-ethnic nation, something that is therefore worth celebrating.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sam Onwuemeodo, said the governor urged the people to see national unity as an indelible development, that should also encourage the citizenry to think less about tribal and religious differences, and more about national harmony and progress.
“As a matter of fact, at 55 years of age, Nigerians should also grow beyond ethnic war songs. Hence, ethnic associations and groups beating ethnic war drums should put a halt to that. Even the quest for sovereignty by some zonal or ethnic bodies should also be dropped since such tendencies have no meaningful contribution to make to the unity, development and prosperity of the nation,” he said.
Anti-Corruption
Meanwhile, the nation’s labour centres, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) on Wednesday, expressed confidence in the administrative style of President Muhammadu Buhari as the nation marks its 55th Independence Anniversary.
Both unions in separate anniversary messages scored the administration high on key developmental issues, especially on its anti-corruption drive, suppressing of insurgencies and improved power supply, among others.
President of NLC, Ayuba Wabba, while saluting Nigerian workers and the Nigerian people, applauded “their patience, resourcefulness, industry, patriotism and staying power in the face of challenges.
“We congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari for providing leadership in the fight against corruption, insecurity, high cost of governance which is beginning to yield results…
“We enjoin Nigerians to give Mr. President all the necessary support in order for him to stay the course in his avowed promise to deliver the country to better governance”.
Wabba urged the Presidency to redouble effort at tackling economic challenges, insisting that the performance of the economy at any point in time is of great concern to Labour.
On his part, TUC President, Bobboi Bala Kiagama, said the anniversary should serve as sober reflection on the collective journey as a people.
He said: “Truly, 55 years of Independence might seem like a child’s play when juxtaposed with older nations like the United States which have enjoyed nationhood for over 250 years, but shouldn’t we be doing well as a people? How much progress have we made? Given the enormous wealth of human and natural resources that the Creator has bequeathed to this country since Independence; should there be any Nigerian in lack of any basic need of life?
“This year’s Independence anniversary provides another vintage opportunity to reflect on the Nigerian polity, economy and society,” he added.
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