By Johnbosco Agbakwuru, Henry Umoru, Dapo Akinrefon, Ogalah Ibrahim, John Alechenu & Samuel Oyadongha

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, some state governors, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and other interest groups yesterday felicitated with Nigerians on the 64th Independent Day celebration and called for national unity in tackling the current challenges facing the country.

Don’t lose hope —Jonathan

Goodluck Jonathan in his Independent Day goodwill message urged Nigerians to remain optimistic and resilient, and never lose hope in the dream of building a great and prosperous nation, despite the challenges the country currently faces.

In a statement issued by Mr. Ikechukwu Eze, his spokesman, Dr. Jonathan said: “We have recorded perceptible growth in our economy and our gross domestic products (GDP). We have continued to sustain our unity and belief in the social fabric of our nation.

“However, we still face significant challenges that test our resolve and resilience as a people. These border on our inability to meet our goals and expectations on security, economic growth, national cohesion and general infrastructure development.

“For us to deepen the roots of our democracy and foster inclusive economic growth, we must strengthen our institutions and develop a good democratic culture that will support peaceful, transparent, free and fair elections. This is the basis for good governance, sustainable democracy, national unity and peaceful coexistence.

“As a nation, we must recommit to the principles of justice, equity and inclusion. We must harness our diversity, tap into our youth’s potential, and leverage our natural resources for the benefit of all.

“As we mark this important day, I encourage Nigerians to remain optimistic, resilient, and committed to our nation’s greatness, despite the odds. “With a common purpose, zeal and love for one another, we can overcome our challenges and build a prosperous nation of our collective dreams, where every citizen has equal opportunities to thrive.”

We must unite against authoritarianism — Atiku

In his goodwill message, Atiku congratulated Nigerians for keeping their indomitable spirit alive and urged all citizens to unite against any form of authoritarianism.

He said, “Our nation has traversed numerous tumultuous phases, yet the tenacity of patriotic citizens, bolstered by the solidarity of our international allies, has fortified our resolve as a resilient entity.

“On this day, as we mark 64 years of nationhood, we take pride in the enduring establishment of democracy in Nigeria, highlighted by the longest period of democratic governance in our history.”

He fervently implored the political elite to unite in a noble mission to safeguard our democracy from the precipice of authoritarianism.

“Our founding fathers united under a common cause, championing our independence through peaceful, political activism. What we celebrate today is the fruition of their collective endeavors and those of subsequent generations. Nigeria teeters on the brink of a one-party dictatorship, and it is incumbent upon all politicians and statesmen of integrity to rise and reclaim our democracy from the encroaching shadows of oppression.”

Radda urges patriotism, unity

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda in his independent day message called on Nigerians to embrace patriotism and unity saying that the strength of the nation lies in its diversity and shared dreams for a prosperous future.

“Let us stand united as brothers and sisters, bound by our shared heritage and aspirations of a prosperous and peaceful nation,” he said.

Nigeria‘ll surmount present challenges —Oborevwori

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, in his message, urged Nigerians to work in unity to surmount the economic and security challenges facing the country.

In a statement in Asaba by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, Governor Oborevwori admonished Nigerians to work in unison, irrespective of political, religious and ethnic diversities, to ensure the nation overcame its present challenges.

He also urged the citizens to support the government’s efforts at salvaging the nation from insecurity and economic downturn.

“At 64, Nigeria has come a long way despite economic, security and political setbacks; it is important we remain strong, exercise patience and be of good faith in God and our nation’s leaders at this critical period of economic and security challenges,” he said.

Better days ahead —Sen Barau

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, APC, Kano North in his goodwill message appealed to Nigerians to remain resolute in the promotion of national unity, support and prayers for the government to succeed in its efforts to turn around the country’s fortunes positively.

Senator Barau, who is also the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to reviving the economy and tackling insecurity and other challenges facing the country.

“At 64, we face some challenges as a country, but we will overcome them by God’s grace. We will come out stronger. Let’s continue to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in actualising his policies and programmes.” he said.

Kalu advocates unity Chairman, Senate Committee on Privatization, Dr. Orji Kalu in his goodwill message described Nigerians as hardworking, resilient and patriotic and urged the political class to use their positions to advance the cause of the people.

Kalu while applauding efforts of the federal government in promoting nationhood, called on Nigerians to remain peaceful and united in their endeavours.

He said: “Nigeria has made tremendous progress in building and sustaining democracy, regardless of the country’s diversity. Let us continue to embrace peace, unity and togetherness as a nation. ”

Resist APC’s totalitarianism, exploitation —PDP urges Nigerians

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has charged Nigerians to use the Independence Day Anniversary to reawaken the spirit of nationalism in defence of our democracy and national sovereignty against the emerging totalitarianism being foisted on our nation by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The PDP further urged Nigerians not to surrender to the bullying tactics of the APC administration which seeks to undermine the Constitution, emasculate citizens, compromise Institutions of Democracy and turn Nigeria into a fiefdom where APC leaders arrogantly carry on like lords and treat other citizens as conquered people.

National Publicity Secretary of the party, Debo Ologunagba said, “The Independence Day celebration is not the symbolic marching at parade grounds, taking of salutes, an inspection of guards and making of speeches but it is the freedom of the citizens to express themselves, pursue legitimate endeavours and freely participate in the process to choose those who lead them through an unhindered expression of their Will at elections.”

Don’t lose hope over betrayal by political class, NLC tells Nigerians

THE Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, in its goodwill message, urged the downtrodden Nigerians who bear the burden of broken promises and exploitation not to lose hope over the betrayal of monumental proportions by the political leadership at various times and levels.

NLC President, Joe Ajaero, in a statement entitled, “The Beginning of a New Era,” said:”We urge the downtrodden Nigerians who bear the marks or burden of these broken promises, exploitation and corruption not to give up hope on their country.

“In light of the fact that their sacrifice has been taken for granted for so long, they should learn to protest within the limits of the law against injustices and subversion of democratic norms, culture and values by the dominant political elite. It should be apparent to the citizenry that the leading political elite are not ready to do the right thing except they are compelled to do so.”

Govts, politicians must improve peoples’ welfare —Afenifere

THE pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, yesterday, tasked governments at all levels and politicians to implement policies that will improve the lives of Nigerians.

Afenifere, in a statement by its Leader and National Publicity Secretary, Pa Reuben Fasoranti and Mr Jare Ajayi respectively, stated that as Nigeria marks the 64th anniversary of independence, the citizens must be commended for their enduring spirit.

“Although the country is going through a challenging moment, there is the need to acknowledge the modest progress being made since we attained independence.

“Mentioned in this respect were the facts that Nigeria remains as one country despite the civil war that was fought as well as some other internal crises that have taken place in the last 64 years,’” the statement read.

Take action to alleviate suffering NAS tells FG

National Association of Seadogs, NAS, also known as Pyrates Confraternity, has urged the Federal Government to take immediate economic action to alleviate Nigerians’ suffering, particularly the rising hunger.

NAS also emphasized the need for President Bola Tinubu to tackle the pervasive issues of insecurity, poverty, bad roads, and out-of-school children, among other problems bedeviling the country.

In their Independence Day message, titled “Nigeria@64: Walking on Tightrope,” NAS, through its Capn, Dr Joseph Oteri, warned that the worsening economic conditions could trigger social unrest if left unaddressed.

CUPP calls for sober reflections

The Conference of United Political Parties, CUPP, called for sober reflections saying that most Nigerians were currently indifferent about this year’s anniversary because the day reminds us of decades of failed promises.

A statement by National Secretary of the CUPP, Peter Ameh, said:”The harsh economic realities have stifled excitement, leaving many Nigerians indifferent. As the country marks another year of independence, the struggles of everyday life overshadow patriotic fervor.”