INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY: Don’t Give Up Hope, Minority Reps Charges Nigerians

Njideka Ozoalor

As the nation celebrates her 61st Independence Anniversary, the Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives, charges Nigerians not to allow the hardship occasioned by the misrule of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration to make them give up hope in Nigeria as their country.

According to a press release signed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu stated,

“Nigeria is a nation blessed not only with abundant natural resources, but also, and most importantly, patriotic citizens that have remained resilient and committed to task of nation building, despite the daunting challenges.

“It is lamentable that in the last six years, our compatriots have been subjected to the worst forms of state-backed injustice, deprivation, suppression, abuse of rights, economic strangulation, electoral manipulations, violence and traumatizing bondage mentality; in violation of the essentials of independence, particularly in a democratic setting.

“With total disregard for the tenets of our constitutional democracy comes dereliction of duty, recklessness, entrenched corruption in high places, counterproductive economic policies, infrastructural stagnation and national retrogression.

“The 61st Independence Anniversary therefore presents to leaders, at all levels, the opportunity to redirect the tide by giving greater commitment to issues of good governance, justice, equity, fairness as well as the overall security and wellbeing of Nigerians in such a manner, that reflects their aspirations as free citizens.

“Our caucus commends Nigerians as true agents of nation building and urges them to use the occasion of this year’s independence anniversary to revamp the bond of unity, love and oneness of purpose for which we are known.

“The caucus also salutes the gallantry of our troops, who are putting their lives on the line to safeguard our nation, and for which many of them have paid the supreme price.

“On our part, the Minority Caucus remains resolute and unwavering in using all legislative instruments at our disposal in protecting and projecting the interest of Nigerians at all times.

“The Minority Caucus congratulates Nigerians and wishes them happy independence anniversary celebrations.”