The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on Nigerians not to despair but to keep hope alive for a better Nigeria.
It admitted that while the country had yet to be where it wished to be on the global map, it must still continue to hope to reach there.
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, led by Abdulrahman Mohammed, stated this on Thursday in commemoration of Nigeria’s 66th independence anniversary.
“The PDP acknowledges that, as a nation and as a people, we are not yet where we aspire to be. However, we must not despair.
“The future of Nigeria remains bright, and our collective hope must remain stronger than our present challenges.
“Nigeria is a blessed nation, endowed with enormous human and natural resources. Let us harness these resources, alongside our rich ethnic, cultural and religious diversity into an instrument of unity, creativity and national progress”, the National Publicity Secretary, Honourable Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, stated in Abuja on Thursday.
The PDP called on all Nigerians to continue to preach peace, unity and national cohesion, adding, “Our leaders and followers alike must remain patriotic, reject violence and corruption, and always place the interests of Nigeria above personal and sectional considerations.”
On its part, the Interim National Working Committee (INWC) of the PDP chaired by Dr Tanimu Turaki, urged Nigerians to borrow from the example of the country’s founding fathers who were resilient in the struggle for independence by shunning inducement and confronting intimidation.
“Worthy of note is that when the moment for self-rule came, they rejected inducements and resisted threats designed to defeat their aim. They did not delay, and they did not miss their moment”, Turaki said on Thursday in a message he personally signed.
He said as Nigeria turned 66, it was now the turn of the citizens to rise in unison to “shun inducement and stand firm against intimidation.”
Turaki added, “Now, more than ever, we must be determined, at the earliest opportunity, to elect a government that will build a Nigeria that works for all, not just some: a nation of security, economic opportunity, unity and justice.
“That responsibility now rests on us at the ballot box. This is our own time, and we must not let it pass.”
NILDS advocates unity, inclusivity in nation-building
Meanwhile, the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Professor Abubakar Sulaiman, has called on Nigerians to strengthen national unity, embrace inclusivity and remain committed to the collective task of nation-building as the country marks its 66th independence anniversary.
Sulaiman made the call in a goodwill message he issued on Thursday in which he congratulated Nigerians on the anniversary and reflected on the country’s journey since independence on October 1, 1960.
He described Nigeria’s 66 years of independence as a testament to the resilience of its people and the efforts of successive administrations to advance the vision and aspirations of the nation’s founding fathers.
The DG, while aligning with the theme of this year’s celebration, “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity,” noted that the country’s diversity should be harnessed as an asset for national development rather than allowed to become a source of division.
“Our diversity across gender, ethnicity, region and religion should remain a source of strength rather than division,” he said.
Sulaiman stressed the need for greater collective participation in nation-building, urging citizens to contribute actively to addressing the country’s security and developmental challenges.
According to him, issues of national cohesion, gender inclusivity, unity, economic development and legislative governance remain central to NILDS’ mandate of strengthening democratic institutions, promoting good governance and advancing sustainable national development.
Sulaiman, a former Minister of National Planning, also felicitated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the President of the Senate, Godswill Obot Akpabio; and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Abbas Tajudeen.
He acknowledged that Nigeria had yet to achieve all its aspirations but noted that the country had continued to evolve and strengthen its democratic institutions.
The NILDS boss consequently urged Nigerians to sustain their faith in the country and uphold the values of patriotism and collective responsibility.
“Let us remain actively engaged in building a peaceful, inclusive, prosperous and united Nigeria,” he urged.
He called on citizens to uphold national unity and play their part in overcoming the challenges confronting the nation, stressing the importance of collective action in consolidating Nigeria’s democratic and developmental gains.
Sulaiman wished Nigerians a peaceful and restful Independence Day celebration and prayed for continued peace, stability and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.