In his independence anniversay message, Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki thanked Nigerians for their support and encouragement to President Muhammadu Buhari and other successive administrations for the nation’s development so far.
Saraki stated the National Assembly would continue to work assiduously with the executive arm of government to realise its development objectives.
“Our priority is to continue to work assiduously with the executive arm of government to realise our development objectives. Our priority is to build a virile socio-political and economic environment and therefore, bequeath a better country to our future generations,” he stated.
His deputy, Senator Ike Ekwermadu stated national unity and good governance were essential ingredients in the nation’s quest for national development.
“There is no doubt that the full blessings of political independence has continued to elude us. I, therefore, believe that the occasion of the 55th Independence anniversary is an opportunity for soul searching and retracing of our steps,” Ekweremadu stated.
On his part, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara in his message to Nigerians stated when compared with other developing countries, Nigeria is left behind in many areas and is ranked among the lowest in the human development capital index. Dogara stated there was much work to be done, and urged citizens to work together to make the country work again.
Eminent businessman and former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, in his independence anniversary message said: “Nigerians have to support policy and decision makers in nation building, by demonstrating good moral conduct in their daily lives. Government alone cannot make the nation prosper; it should be a collective commitment. Let us use this period to reflect on the efforts and ideals of the founding fathers with a view to impacting the society positively.
“I also call on well-meaning Nigerians to invest in the local economy as against keeping their investments abroad. I also advise people at the helm of affairs to adopt and implement realistic policies that will boost the Nigerian economy which will drive growth and development.”
Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State stated Nigeria as a nation should begin to see the unity of the country as a development that has become indelible.
He urged Nigerians to grow beyond ethnic war, urging Nigerians to internalize the creed of the national anthem and pledge.
Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, in his own message to Nigerians, stated the country was in a critical stage in its journey for sustainable democracy. He therefore, urged Nigerians to do everything humanly possible to protect the democratic process, which he stated was the longest so far in the history of the country.
For former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, this is another opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on how much they have used self-rule to advance the well-being of the country. He called on Nigerians to be more patriotic and support the government in building a better place by engaging in constructive contributions at all times.