PRESS STATEMENT
Independence Day: Our Perennial Challenges Are Surmountable – Akeredolu
Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Governors Forum and Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has called for concerted efforts to address the myriad of challenges confronting the nation.
Governor Akeredolu stated that the country is in dire need of power devolution that will sustain the regions, reduce agitations and tackle the country’s challenges holistically.
The Governor, who congratulated Nigerians on the occasion of the 62nd Independence Anniversary, urged the people to reinforce their hope in the country and embrace peace.
Arakunrin Akeredolu also called on the people to be deliberate in making the right choice in the 2023 general election.
“This occasion affords us yet another opportunity to reflect deeply on the current challenges confronting our nation and offer candid suggestions which will assist in addressing them.
“No doubt, our country is going through difficult times. It is time for us to rethink this pseudo federalism and heed the calls by sub-nationals to restructure the polity in a way that will engender progress and development. It is the only way to solve the current socio-economic problems facing the country.
“The federating units must not be over-dependent on the Federal Government. The over-centralization of the polity is the very bane of our collective existence as a country. There must be a total departure from this tread. The current situation must not linger for far too long.
“The sub-nationals has the capacity to fight crimes and criminalities efficiently and effectively if proper devolution of power is undertaken. The security challenges bedeviling the country have necessitated the need for state security outfits to be empowered and allowed to function optimally with the right tools and ammunitions.
“Our gains as a nation are manifested in the well-being of our people. Our efforts must be geared toward actions that will restore their confidence and give hope. The people are central to the existence of any government. Our attention must be shifted primarily to them. Development of any given space must be about the people.
“The stark reality confronting us as a people is that the current security arrangement can no longer guarantee effective security of lives and property. The sub-nationals must be encouraged to take charge of the internal security arrangement of their localities. It is crucial for our collective well-being,” Governor Akeredolu said.
The Governor also commended the President Muhammadu Buhari administration for its giant strides in infrastructure such as roads, rail, power and other developmental projects.
On the 2023 election, Governor Akeredolu called on the people to support a candidate with years of investment, competence, capacity and reach. The Governor also charged the people to reflect on the need to promote equality and fairness by shifting power to the South.
He expressed hope that the country will surmount its perennial challenges and prosperity, peace and development will echo across the nation.
Signed:
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
September 30, 2022.
ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU’S STATEMENT ON Nigeria’s 62nd Independence Anniversary
Today, we mark our independence as a nation. On this day 62 years ago, we set forth to determine our own way, to shape our own destiny.
The path we walk has not always been an easy or smooth one, but we walk it nonetheless because it is the road hewn by our own hands, ingenuity and aspirations.
In this complex time, it is easy to forget the struggles of those who came before us. Those Nigerian founders and nationalists who devoted themselves to making the dream of an independent and proud Nigeria a reality. But we must not forget.
We commemorate this day so that our nation shall forever hold in remembrance those who won our nation’s independence. There is no way we can repay them for their patriotism except to remember them and strive to match their love of country and their sacrifice for it. Some gave not only their best years but their very lives so that Nigeria can be born. Their labour shall never be in vain!
Indeed, we have come a long way from 1960 when we gained independence. We have walked far since then. Still, the best of our national journey lies before and not behind us. Since 1999, our country has experienced 23 years of uninterrupted democracy.
While, we have firmly established democracy as our way of governance, we still have work to do in perfecting our form of governance such that government will always and completely be for, of, by and because of the people. That our people live in the dignity afforded by prosperity, justice, freedom and an unyielding belief in our capacity to overcome any obstacle was what compelled our founders to strive for the independence we now enjoy.
This anniversary of our independence offers us the opportunity to take stock of how far we have come as a nation and how far we must go to achieve a better nation.
On this Independence Day, let us commit ourselves to Nigeria’s unity as well as to our collective improvement. In unity, we must see each other as brothers and sisters regardless of our ethnic, religious or regional diversity.
In seeking national improvement, we must join hands in growing the economy, creating jobs, feeding the hungry, educating our youth, caring for the sick and protecting our people and their way of life from evil and misguided foes who seek to destroy all that is good.
Today, let us thank President Muhammadu Buhari and his administration for their patriotic efforts in the service of the nation. We give utmost thanks to the committed service of the brave members of our armed forces, security and law enforcement agencies some of whom have given their very lives in defence of our freedom against terrorism and violent extremism.
We thank all who have dedicated their lives to public service and to the belief that this nation can be made great. We thank each and every law-abiding citizen of our great nation who dedicate their lives in the hope that Nigeria will be better and more united.
Today, I speak not of politics but patriotism. The time for politics will come soon enough. But the time for and demand of patriotism never fade.
May we all seek the best for Nigeria regardless of partisan affiliation and may we never undermine the national purpose in pursuit of narrow gain.
As the nation heads toward the coming election, may we all eschew violence and recourse to divisive, incendiary politics that pull against the fabric of national unity and concord.
My running mate, party and I stand committed to a prosperous, violence-free, and democracy-filled Nigeria. I ask you all to do the same. Only by so doing, shall we honour the sacrifices and devotion of our nation’s founders. In this way, we bring a dependable promise of renewed hope to our quest for national greatness.
Thus, on this occasion of Nigeria’s 62nd Independence Day, I congratulate all Nigerians everywhere. I wish you all a memorable celebration of both peace and unity.
SIGNED
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu
October 1, 2022
