As Abia State joins others in Nigeria to celebrate the country’s 64th Independence Day, Abians have called for unity and perseverance in the face of the current hardships ravaging the nation.
Apart from the state governor, Alex Otti, other prominent figures, including the senator representing Abia North at the National Assembly, Orji Uzor Kalu; the senator representing Abia South, Enyi Abaribe; and the State Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Linus Nto Mba, also marked the occasion.
In his speech during the event held in Umuahia, Governor Alex Otti expressed regret over the challenges facing the country, noting that poverty, unemployment, an unpredictable macroeconomic trajectory, failing public infrastructure, and expanding insecurity have dampened the enthusiasm of millions of Nigerians.
He lamented that the faces of millions of Nigerians today tell a story of a failure to live up to the lofty expectations that heralded Nigeria’s independence in 1960. He said, “While a day like this offers a great opportunity to revel in national pride, we must also take a moment to reflect on our journey as one people united in a shared destiny.
“The crises of poverty, unemployment, an unpredictable macroeconomic trajectory, failing public infrastructure, and expanding insecurity have combined to dampen the enthusiasm of millions of our compatriots. Opinions may vary due to political affiliations and interests, but it will be hard to objectively convince any genuine patriot that this is the best we can be.
“In Abia,” he continued, “we have also been challenged by the paradox of Nigeria and its many internal contradictions.” He pleaded, “With faith, we shall triumph. We must never give up on the dream that motivated the struggle for independence because it is a solemn duty to which we must now rededicate our lives. Nigeria shall rise because we have in us the seeds of enduring greatness.”
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In his message, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Privatization, Dr. Orji Kalu, while congratulating President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians on the occasion of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary, described Nigerians as “hardworking, resilient, and patriotic.” He urged the political class to use their positions to advance the cause of the people.
Kalu, while applauding the efforts of the federal government in promoting nationhood, called on Nigerians to remain peaceful and united in their endeavors. He stressed that “the heterogeneous nature of the country should be explored for positive gains. In marking the 64th Independence Anniversary of Nigeria, I call on governments at all levels to embrace pro-people policies in advancing the cause of the people.
“Nigeria has made tremendous progress in building and sustaining democracy, regardless of the country’s diversity. Let us continue to embrace peace, unity, and togetherness as a nation. We must support and complement the efforts of the federal government in repositioning the country.”
Meanwhile, the senator representing Abia South, Enyi Abaribe, advocated for peace, unity, and patience from Nigerians as they endure the current hardships in the country. Similarly, the Chairman of the Abia Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Linus Nto Mba, called for concerted efforts by all citizens to maintain peace and unity, stating that the nation cannot move forward without peace and oneness.
He urged leaders at all levels to find solutions to the issues of hunger, starvation, insecurity, and the various socio-economic challenges facing Nigerians, emphasizing that these issues must be addressed conscientiously in the spirit of independence.
He also pointed out the need for everyone to be patriotic and show commitment to the ideals of Nigeria’s founding fathers. Additionally, he commended Governor Otti for his leadership style, which is gradually restoring the glory of Abia State.
