By Muideen Olaniyi, Abdullateef Salau & Itodo Daniel Sule
President Muhammadu Buhari said this morning that Nigeria’s 61st Independence Anniversary should not only serve as a reminder of the day the British handed over the reins of power to Nigerians, but a day that also unified the people from all ethnic groups, religions and regions.
The president said this in his broadcast to the nation as part of activities marking the Independence Anniversary of the country.
He said all hands were on deck for 1st of October 1960 to happen as East, West, North came together to celebrate freedom.
President Buhari said most Nigerians still maintained the spirit of 1st October despite the challenges being faced as a nation.
“It is due to this collective attitude that Nigeria doggedly continues to remain a united and indivisible nation,” he said.
The President said the past 18 months had been some of the most difficult periods in the history of Nigeria because of COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our original priorities for 2020 were to continue stabilising our economy following the deep recession while restoring peace in areas confronted with security challenges. But the COVID-19 pandemic and its devastating impact on all nations meant we needed to shift gears and re-strategise.
“Nigerians came together as one to fight against COVID-19. It is this attitude and by the special grace of God, we continue to survive the pandemic as a nation and indeed, provide leadership and example at regional and international levels,” he said.
On security, the President said in the last four months, the gallant men and women of the military and security agencies had made tremendous progress in addressing the new security challenges in parts of the country, stressing that “We are taking the fight to our enemies from all angles and we are winning.”
People-oriented constitution, solution to Nigeria’s current challenges — Lawan
Senate President Ahmad Lawan has urged Nigerians to unite their purpose and energy for the progress of the country.
He said the current challenges facing Nigeria were surmountable.
Lawan said this in a message by his spokesman, Ola Awoniyi, to felicitate with Nigerians on the occasion of Nigeria’s 61st Independence Anniversary.
According to him, a people-oriented constitution remained the solution to the frictions that the country was currently witnessing.
Gbajabiamila sues for unity, peaceful coexistence
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has called on Nigerians to be more united and work together in building a better nation for the good of all.
In his message issued by his media adviser, Lanre Lasisi to mark Nigeria’s 61st Independence Anniversary said Nigeria is “the only country we can call our own.”
He said: “As far as I am concerned, there is no country on earth like Nigeria, and I know every patriotic Nigerian hold this view.”
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