Saraki
Senate
President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential aspirant,
Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has congratulated Nigerians on the
occasion of the nation's 58th Independence Anniversary and urged them
to ensure a more vibrant, constructive and patriotic citizen
participation in the governance of the country.
Saraki
in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity,
Yusuph Olaniyonu, noted that one of the key reasons for the
non-realization of the dreams of the founding fathers who fought for
the nation's independence from the colonial governement was because
the citizens failed to seize control of the fortunes and future of
the country while allowing sentiments to determine the choice of
leaders and what national objectives should entail.
"At
this point when democracy has come to stay in Nigeria, all Nigerians
should use the occasion of the 58th Independence Anniversary to
redefine what should constitute the Nigerian dream, rally round that
dream, support leaders who are capable and competent to realize that
dream.
"Citizens
should stop abandoning politics and political choices to politicians
and manipulative elements who invoke only religious, ethnic and
geo-political sentiments to impose leadership who are only supported
for the purpose of serving the interests of those who put them in
office.
"Nigerians
should re-dedicate themselves to the ideals of defining their
personal interests in line with how it helps the realization of
national objectives. Our national objectives should simply be to
build a united, peaceful, economically strong, internationally
respected country, with robust military, well motivated work-force,
ambitious youth and fulfilled citizens.
"These
ideals are what we should rally our people around. The people should
not allow government officials and politicians to continue
manipulating them in pursuit of narrow interests. It is only
manipulation that will allow voters to ignore the competence,
experience, suitability and temperament of aspirants for public
office and rather focus on where he comes from, how he worships his
God and how much he is ready to dole out.
"Today,
as we celebrate our 58th Independence Anniversary, Nigerians should
vow that the leader who will lead the country when it is celebrating
its Diamond jubilee anniversary must be one who would have set this
country on the path of genuine socio-economic development and
political greatness.
"Our
people should stop being complacent. The best amongst us should be
the one leading the rest. Voters should be ready at all times to
intervene when government is derailing from the national objectives
or placing personal or group interest above national interest. Never
again, must we allow leaders who behave as emperors, maximum rulers
or messiahs and cabals created by them to seize control of government
and its machinery.
"With
a vigilant citizenry that is well informed and involved in monitoring
government activities, officials and programmes, the prospect
of good governance and improved standard of living for all Nigerians
is bright and guaranteed.
"At
this point, let me congratulate all Nigerians on the occasion of this
year's independence anniversary and pray that our country will
continue to exist in peace, with unity among the various groups and
continuous development of the various parts. Happy anniversary,
Nigerians", Saraki stated.
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