What the notables say of Nigeria@56

As Nigeria marks 56 year of nationhood as an independent state, messages have been pouring in from within and outside its shores congratulating and encouraging the leadership and people.
We present below a compilation of some of those messages from prominent individuals and organisations.

Senate President, Bukola Saraki:
“I continue to say that the responsibility to once again search for credible and lasting solutions to the economic crisis lies with all Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora. While those of us in leadership must put on our thinking caps to find solution, all hands must be on deck to ensure that the efforts of the economic handlers yield necessary results soon”.

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu:
“This 56th Independence Anniversary calls for sober reflection. No people can make progress unless they retrace their steps back to where the rain started beating them. Nigeria, at formation, had a building plan, which was based on true federalism as covenanted by our founding fathers at various conferences leading up to independence.
“For as long as we followed that plan, we prospered. But, once we discarded the building plan, dissembled the inherited structures and legacies and began to undermine the fabrics of equity, justice, balance, healthy competition and economic prosperity that was ingrained therein, we charted our route to the current perdition.”

Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara:
“Nigerians will soon begin to smile in appreciation when fruits of the structures being put in place by the present administration begin to manifest.
“As leaders, we are ever ready to make the much needed and necessary sacrifice to help take the country out of the present recession and build a strong economy.”

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar:
“We are witnessing an increasing loss of foreign confidence in the ability of Nigerians to resolve the economic downturn.
“There has been a slowdown of badly needed foreign investment, which has decelerated economic development that is so essential to the well-being of the ordinary Nigerian. The average Nigerian is worried about the state of things and yearning for a vibrant economy within a peaceful and stable environment so that he/she can carry on with daily endeavours to make ends meet.
“This time demands that we cut our coat according to our cloth, but more than anything else it demands that we lend a helping hand to one another and form a formidable coalition to push back the recession. We didn’t come to this state by our own choice.”

Former governor of Lagos State, Bola Ahmed Tinubu:
“Nigeria’s political, social and economic foundations need to be reworked and strengthened. Our institutions are not functional enough to deliver on the goals for which they were set up. This independence anniversary therefore offers us another opportunity at reflections….
“The times are tough, no doubt. The reasons are not far-fetched. However, the journey to recovery has begun in earnest and I enjoin you all to support the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration in this journey….
“I congratulate all Nigerians and welcome you all to a new and great possibility.”

United States Secretary of State, John Kerry:
“On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the citizens of Nigeria as you celebrate your Independence Day on October 1.

“I recently returned from my third trip to Nigeria as Secretary, and I came away with a strong sense of the nation’s resolve to build a better future. During my trip, I was reminded that many Nigerians are engaged in bringing people together across the divides of culture, religious practices, and ethnicity. There is still much work to be done to provide economic opportunities for all, end corruption, win the fight against Boko Haram, ensure broad respect for human rights and provide humanitarian relief for millions of displaced people. But we know that Nigerians are hard at work to address these challenges….
“Best wishes to all of you on this the 56th anniversary of your independence.”

Pro-Biafra group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)
“We curse Nigeria for allowing the suffering of its citizens. The suffering has gone to the level where every citizen in the land cannot afford to eat one square meal a day.
“What is the meaning of celebration of independent in Nigeria while there are abuse of human rights, killing of unarmed civilians?”

Chairman, People Democratic Party, PDP, South Africa Chapter, Ekos Akpokabayen
“Nigeria from independence, shows off heroic, rare personal sacrifice made by the likes of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmed Bello, Sadauna of Sokoto, Sir, AbubakarTafawa Balewa, Dr. Michael Okpara which are quite commendable and should be emulated by Nigerians.”
“Amid recession, it is important to hang our hopes on the fact that there will always be trying times in the life of every nation, but times like this are meant for sober reflections which will culminate into that which will drive us into that future of our dreams.”

Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu:
“From shortfall in the revenue accruing to the component states of the federation to other macro-economic challenges, the truth remains that these are tough times for citizens of our great nation. However, we are confident that it will not last long. This too shall pass.”

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