Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on Nigerians to hold political leaders accountable in 2025, urging citizens to embrace heightened vigilance and public awareness to safeguard democracy and national progress.
In his New Year message posted on X on Wednesday, Atiku emphasized the importance of actively monitoring the actions and decisions of government officials at all levels, describing the year ahead as a “momentous era” for reshaping national dialogue and fostering a collective commitment to accountability.
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, invoked the timeless maxim on vigilance, stressing that the public must remain steadfast in ensuring that political power is not abused for personal gain.
He warned against unchecked authority, which could threaten fundamental liberties and undermine the public good.
“The vigilance of the citizenry is paramount in ensuring that those in leadership never abuse the power entrusted to them.
“Together, we must firmly restrain any attempts by an overreaching government to encroach on our rights or erode our democracy,” he said.
Acknowledging the difficulties of the past year, Atiku said that 2024 had served as a wake-up call to the need for greater governmental accountability.
He described the year as “sobering” but also credited the challenges with strengthening the resilience and faith of Nigerians.
“Our unshakable belief in divine protection has been our guiding light.
“This same spirit of unwavering faith will continue to propel us forward in the coming year,” he stated.
Atiku urged Nigerians to resist any attempts to divide the nation along religious or ethnic lines, underscoring the importance of unity in addressing national challenges.
He said, “We must hold firm to the principles that unite us. Let us resist efforts to sow division and instead nurture our shared hopes for collective prosperity.”
The former Vice President expressed optimism that 2025 would bring economic recovery and relief from years of hardship.
He prayed for a revitalized economy that would ease the burdens on households and foster a sense of freedom and opportunity.
“It is my fervent prayer that 2025 will sweep away the years of national hardships and bring a fresh dawn.
“I particularly pray for a revitalization of our national economy so that we may breathe freely once more,” Atiku said.
Atiku urged Nigerians to remember those who had succumbed to the country’s enduring struggles.
He said their plight underscored the urgent need for continued efforts to improve the lives of all citizens.
“Their struggles remind us of the urgent work that lies ahead,” he said, calling for renewed determination to address poverty, inequality, and other challenges.
Atiku concluded his message with a call for unity, faith, and action, urging Nigerians to remain committed to building a stronger and more unified nation.
“With hope in my heart and faith in our collective strength, I wish you all a prosperous New Year filled with boundless blessings and success in all our endeavours. Together, let us build a safer, stronger, and more unified nation,” he added.
ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
