Chairman, Senate Services, Sen. Karimi Sunday, has said collective efforts and genuine desires are what will make Nigeria a truly great nation.
He told Tribune Online that building the country rested on the shoulders of the Federal Government, the 36 state governments and the citizenry, which he insists must synergise for Nigeria to occupy its rightful position among other global players.
Sen. Sunday, who represents Kogi-West Senatorial District, spoke in an interview with the newspaper as Nigeria celebrates its 64th independence anniversary.
He stated that Nigerians must first believe in their country and in themselves as the catalysts to take it to “great heights in industrial, economic and socio-political advancement.”
Sunday noted that it was not a commendable idea to gather every October 1 and lament or heap blame on the federal government, while the citizenry shy away from their own responsibilities.
He said, “The corruption that we talk about, who is responsible for it? When the right policies are put in place by the government, who are those frustrating them?
“So, it is beyond complaining. We all have to do our best. We need a holistic approach and the commitment of all.”
The lawmaker criticised state governments in particular for allegedly not contributing enough to the development drive of the country, arguing that there is no sufficient proof of how they utilise their finances.
“Every time we are talking about the federal government. Have we looked at what is happening in the states?
“Do we have a semblance of democracy and development in our states? We have to look at these things holistically. Even the states, are they performing their responsibilities with the allocations they receive,” he added.
Sunday urged Nigerians to believe in their country, saying that condemning every policy or decision of the government introduced as solutions would not help the country’s efforts at development.
He spoke further, “Yes, at 64, we are not where we should be. But, if we are not in a better place now, are we going to kill ourselves? We shouldn’t continue to try? It’s not great news that we are not where we are supposed to be.
“But, to succeed, we must agree that we need to come together and genuinely seek solutions.
“Things will improve. We have a new government in place, let’s give the government a chance.
“The removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the Naira, yes, they brought hardship. But, as they say, a little patience is just what is needed and the rewards will start coming in faster than we now see.”
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