From Kemi Yesufu, Abuja
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has felicitated with Nigerians on the occasion of the country’s 56th independence anniversary, assuring that the country would overcome it’s current challenges.
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Turaki Hassan, the Speaker said that despite the difficulties confronting Nigerians, there was every reason for the country to celebrate its independence anniversary.
He said the current challenges were not insurmountable with unity of purpose, commitment, sacrifice, hard work and patriotism by Nigerians.
Dogara who noted that while it may seem like all was bleak and gloomy at the moment, was optimistic that Nigerians would soon begin to smile in appreciation, when fruits of the measures being put in place by the present administration begin to manifest.
He then called on all leaders, irrespective of their political affiliation, to join in rebuilding the country for the sake of future generations.
Dogara, said that history had shown that many a nation had passed through even more difficult periods in their journey to greatness and nationhood, but overcame.
“Ours cannot be different and Nigeria’s wont be an exception, so long as we remain committed to building a prosperous and strong democratic nation where opportunities abound for all,” he said, noting that democracy offered nothing other than liberty and freedom for citizens to realise their God-given talents and potentials which could be harnessed into building a greater society.
Nigeria @ 56: Okowa urges peaceful co-existence
From PAUL OSUYI, Asaba
Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has congratulated Deltans and indeed all Nigerians as the nation celebrates Nigeria’s Independence Day.
Okowa, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu, extended best wishes of 56 years of self-rule and control, praying that the hopes of our past heroes and the promises of independence would be fulfilled in the lives of Nigerians especially at this time of economic recession.
He assured all Deltans at home and abroad, of accelerated development in every area of the state as well as apparent improvement in the economic life of the people.
“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta State, I congratulate Nigerians, Deltans on the occasion of our 56th Independence Anniversary celebrations.
“As we celebrate Nigeria’s 56th independence anniversary and usher in the period of festivity, I urge all Deltans and indeed Nigerians irrespective of their tribes and religion to live in peace, as Nigeria can only achieve the aspirations of her founding fathers, if we live together in peace.
“I also use this medium to call on the Niger Delta Avengers and all militant groups in the Niger Delta to give peace a chance and halt all forms of attacks on oil pipelines and installations to enable relevant stakeholders address the issue as it relates to their agitation. It is no longer news that our economy is currently in recession and our people are feeling the hardship, but with our efforts toward the realisation of the S.M.A.R.T. Agenda, our people should celebrate and entertain no fear, as we are about to experience prosperity for all Deltans, progress in the state as well as genuine improvement in the lives of Deltans,” he stressed.