Across section of Nigerians on Wednesday said Nigeria’s
54th Independence anniversary was worth celebrating because “we are
still a united nation’’ in spite of the numerous challenges.
Other
citizens, however, said that the atmosphere was not ripe for
celebration due to insurgency in parts of the country and the Chibok
girls, among other challenges.
A PDP member in Kogi, Mr Adelodun
Obaseki, said in Lokoja that “Nigerians have every reason to celebrate
as in spite of all odds, God has always been by our side’’.
Obaseki
pointed out the level of developments that the country had experienced
in the last few decades as some of the reasons for celebration.
He
noted that the PDP had proved itself to be a party that all Nigerians
should embrace through its infrastructural developments in all aspects
of national life through the transformation agenda of President Goodluck
Jonathan.
Another resident, Mr Salaudeen Mohammed, however, said
that there was need for sobriety because of the security challenges
threatening the country.
“What are we celebrating when over 200
Chibok girls are still being held captive by insurgents in the North,
with killings and kidnappings in the South?,’’ he asked.
He noted that the nation still suffered epileptic power supply, massive youth unemployment, corruption and persistent strikes.
“Just
give me a reason why we should celebrate when at 54, Nigeria still
depends on importation of domestic goods, building materials and many
other things,’’ said Salaudeen.
He, however, advised political
leaders and governments at all levels to shun corruption and work for
the betterment of our nation.
A taxi driver, Mr Samuel Elian,
lamented the poor condition of the state and federal roads across the
country, saying it was a cause for concern.
He enjoined the
various tiers of government to do the needful to restore people’s
confidence in the polity by delivering the benefits of independence.
Mr
Ibrahim Tola, a private legal practitioner in Abuja, called for the
construction of quality road network across the country and the
provision of educational facilities, healthcare service, agricultural
inputs and improved electricity supply, among other basic social
amenities and infrastructure.
Mrs Eletta Awoniyi, a civil servant,
said Nigeria should celebrate the sustained unity of the nation at 54
in spite of the various ills bedevilling the country.
She urged
Nigerians to set aside religious, political and tribal differences, and
embrace unity and peace which were needed to surmount the security
challenges facing the country.
“Nigerians should join hands in the
spirit of oneness and support our President Goodluck Jonathan in the
fight against the enemies of our nation,” she urged. (NAN)