The Chairman, Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) and Niger State Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, has expressed optimism on the continued existence of the country against speculation of its collapse after next year’s elections.
Aliyu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Israel Ebije, to mark the 54th Independence anniversary, urged Nigerians not to give up on the country, but should work for its unity and prosperity.
He enjoined Nigerians to remember the labour of the country’s founding fathers and shun acts that could dash their expectations, adding: “It is the duty of Nigerians to shun acts that will undermine the unity of the country.”
The governor challenged those who have balkanised the country along political divide to use the Independence Day celebration to reflect on the gains of a united country and not dwell on narrow interests.
Aliyu said: “Let me congratulate Nigerians as we celebrate our 54th Independence. It is my wish that we celebrate more independence in peace, harmony and prosperity. We need a country which our people can really call their home.
“We want a country where we can be independent from personal or group interests. We should be united towards achieving common goals and aspirations. While we have challenges of insecurity amid fears of disintegration, we must realise that Nigeria has prospect, Nigeria has international presence regardless of our challenges. Believe me, many nationals wish they were Nigerians.”
He said the insecurity giving the country a bad image would soon be solved, adding that once politics is not seen as a do-or-die affair, people will be more focused on going about it peacefully.
“It is, therefore, my prayer that Nigerians should mark this Independence Day celebration in the spirit of reconciliation. We must work towards healing the wounds triggered by politics, religion and ethnicity. We need true reconciliation to work together as an indivisible entity.
“We shouldn’t just mark this year’s independence celebration just for its ceremonial value, but also for the sake of encouraging ourselves that Nigeria is a country worth fighting for, a nation of patriotic citizens and a country we are proud of,” Aliyu concluded.
