Saraki, Mark, Ekweremadu preach unity, national rebirth
Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, his predecessor, Senator David Mark and Deputy Senate president, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, have urged Nigerians irrespective of creed and tribe to continue to work for the peace, unity and stability of the country.
In their separate anniversary messages, the three lawmakers said with unity and peace, the country would advance for the benefit of all.
Saraki, in his message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, also urged leaders - political, traditional, religious and business - to close ranks in order to initiate and implement ideas and strategies that would further develop the country and increase the standard of living of the citizenry.
Saraki said that the task for a greater Nigeria, is a collective responsibility of every citizen, just as he enjoined every citizen to believe in the project, Nigeria and pray for peace and progress of the country.
“It is apparent that the need for peace, unity and stability in our nation cannot be compromised. Our togetherness, abundant resources and diversity are our greatest asset. Therefore let us refrain from tendencies that tend to pull us apart”, Saraki stated.
Mark on his part, called for a renaissance spirit among Nigerians as a panacea to the current socioeconomic and political challenges.
Senator Mark acknowledged that Nigerians are passing through difficult times but urged the citizenry not to despair but to re-enact the indomitable spirit that has seen them through various travails in the past. Signed by Paul Mumeh, Mark in the message, enjoined Nigerians to shun mundane issues such as ethnicity or religious differences that tend to create disharmony.
Senator Mark stated: “We can surmount our challenges if we collaborate and confront them in a more determined, focused and honest manner.
“I believe that God kept us as one under a united country for good reasons. We may have our differences or disagreements, but that must not surpass or outweigh the huge benefits of staying together”.
For him, both the government and the governed must take deliberate steps to present issues on the table anchored on equity, fairness, justice and respect for one another.
On his part, Ekweremadu urged Nigerians to be patient and optimistic, as the country would surely overcome her challenges.
Ekweremadu, in a statement signed by his media aide, Uche Anichukwu, said that although Nigeria was bedevilled by a myriad of challenges, with a positive mindset and leadership, the country would spring back to reckoning as a true giant of Africa and realise the dreams of the founding fathers.
The lawmaker said: “I am an optimist. As a matter of principle, I prefer to see the positive side of life without also overlooking the problems. At 57, we have no doubt had our challenges as a nation, but we have also made progress. We survived a civil war to remain one country.
“The important thing also is that Nigeria remains a nation with unbeatable potentials. All we need is the right attitude and leadership to translate our potentials to greatness”.