From Ndubuisi Orji,
Abuja
As Nigeria marks 56 years of self rule, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the Federal Government to close ranks with other stakeholders in the country to move the country forward.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, the PDP said all hands must be on deck to move the nation forward. It reads: “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congratulates the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the attainment of 56 years of nationhood. Most importantly, we celebrate our fathers and all those who fought and are still fighting to keep the oneness and unity of this great country, Nigeria.
May our Flag continue to hoist!”
“On the other hand, the cooperation and contributions of all citizens are required at this time to move the Nation forward from the present precarious situation; and we wish to once again urge the APC administration to close ranks with all major stakeholders in the country with a view to bringing to bear, the ideals, vision and mission of those who fought for the Independence of our great Nation, Nigeria,” it added.
FCT minister seeks support for Buhari
From FRED ITUA and FAITH JAMES, Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Muhammad Bello, yesterday, appealed to Nigerians to support the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in its effort to reposition the nation’s economy.
In an address read on behalf of the President, the minister reiterated the determination of the present administration to move the nation forward through hard work, prudence and dedication to the cause of nation building.
Civil servants, students and pupils from both public and private schools were among enthusiastic residents of Abuja who came out in their numbers to celebrate the nation’s 56th independence anniversary. The Old Parade Ground, venue of the event, was filled to capacity, the highest in recent years.
As early as 7 am, participants had arrived Old Parade Ground, venue of the event, to take part in the celebration.
Bello urged the parents, students and residents to uphold the dreams of the founding fathers of Nigeria and challenged them to be agents of change.
Nigeria has cause to celebrate at 56, says Glo
Nigeria’s foremost telecommunications operator, Globacom, has congratulated Nigerians on the country’s 56th independence anniversary. The grandmasters of data in a congratulatory message stated that the country has a lot to celebrate on this special occasion, especially considering the various challenges Nigeria has surmounted since independence.
The company said many of the challenges had threatened the foundation of the nation, but the country has remained strong and indivisible.
Globacom commended the citizens for their resilience, patriotism, industry and enterprise over the years, expressing the optimism that the challenge of economic recession the country is currently passing through would soon be overcome just like all other past challenges.
“As a company, we have no doubt that in no distant future, Nigeria will regain her leadership position as the biggest economy in Africa. We believe that if all hands are on deck and all Nigerians give their unreserved support to the Federal Government, Nigeria has the expertise and material resources to bounce back from the present harsh economic situation,” the statement said.
The company noted that Nigerians were known for happiness having once been declared as the happiest people in the world.
The telecom operator charged Nigerians to spread joy amongst each other on the nation’s birthday. “Our strength as a nation depends more on the resilience of the people. We owe it a duty to continue to pray for the good of the country and for wisdom for our leaders to be able to navigate the affairs of the country well. We should not lose hope as a people because Nigeria is destined to be great and it shall be great,” the company said. The company appealed to Nigerians to shun all forms of vices and inculcate positive virtues that can help to lift the country.
Obiano grants amnesty to 9 inmates
From Geoffrey Anyanwu, Awka
In commemoration of the 56th independence anniversary of Nigeria, Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, yesterday, granted amnesty to nine prison inmates in the state.
Announcing the amnesty for the nine convicts while addressing the people of the state at the independence anniversary celebration at Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square, the governor said that the release of the beneficiaries of the amnesty was with immediate effect.
At the event which had the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Rita Maduagwu, top government functionaries, traditional rulers, pupils and students of various schools in the state, among others, in attendance, Obiano assured the people that the current recession in the country would soon be a thing of the past. He said: “Anambra State government is doing everything possible to alleviate the sufferings of the people in this hardship. The government is aware of the situation and the federal government is not relenting either. I want to assure you that everything will be alright soon.
“Nigeria needs our help! Nigeria needs our passion and commitment. Nigeria needs our time and our talent! This is not the time for recriminations. Nor the time to trade blames. This is not time to widen the natural gulf between us, nor create artificial ones along party lines. This is no time for pride either. Or to deny our country a healing touch! This is time for Nigeria! And though the moment may appear bleak, I want to assure you that everything will be all right.”
The governor further stressed the determination of his administration to safeguard lives and property of the citizenry.