Nigeria at 59: Atiku, Gbajabiamila, APC, Others Give Independence Messages

As Nigeria marks its 59th independence anniversary on Tuesday, political leaders on Monday expressed differing views on the shape and future of Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy.

Political leaders and groups who issued messages to mark the occasion include the presidential candidate of the People Democratic Party’s (PDP) in the last elections, Atiku Abubakar; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila: Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) and the opposition Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP).

Mr. Abubakar, in his message shared through his Twitter handle, @Atiku, on Monday, urged the citizens to put Nigeria first, adding that transforming the country and upholding the integrity of its Constitution is the responsibility of all.

“Nigeria belongs to all of us and we all have a role to play in making our nation great. Nigeria should be the beacon of hope, democracy, and freedom, to not only the African continent but to the black diaspora the world over.

“You see, when we put Nigeria first, we not only revive the Nigerian Dream, we also revive Unity & Faith, Peace & Progress, which were the ideals our founding fathers had in mind when they came together to put forward this new & independent nation 59 years ago on October 1, 1960,” he said.

While celebrating the country’s heroes of democracy, he expressed his disappointments at the level of poverty, unemployment, among other social vices ravaging the country.

“On October 1, 1960, our nation’s founding fathers could never have fathomed that 59 years after birthing the largest black nation on earth, we would be facing a situation where we do not have a free press.

“All is not well when Nigeria is now officially the world headquarters for extreme poverty and out of school children, yet the cost of maintaining those in government continues to grow, while the needs of the governed are not being met.

“It is an age-long truism that women are the teachers of a nation. I make bold to say that the greatness of our country, Nigeria has much to do with how well we educate how children, especially the girl-child, ” Mr. Abubakar said.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Lanre Lasisi, urged Nigerians to pray for the country and its leaders for visible dividends of good governance.

“As we mark our country’s 59th Independence Anniversary, we must remain steadfast, united and prayerful for our country to remain one and overcome her challenges.

“It is also incumbent on us all as citizens to pray for our leaders so that God Almighty will continue to guide them aright. Let’s all work together as one people.

“In the face of some of the challenges confronting us as a country, we have no choice but to work hard to overcome them. As leaders, we are already doing that. But we need the support of the citizens to achieve that,” the Speaker said.

In his message, the Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, implored the citizens to remain steadfast in pursuance of peace, unity and brotherhood.