The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekwermadu, has described national unity and good governance as essential ingredients in the nation’s quest for national development.
Senator Ekweremadu stated this in his independence message to Nigerians.
He reasoned that the nation’s founding fathers were able to achieve independence for Nigeria because they rose above political, ethnic, religious, and sectional cleavages to speak with one voice.
He said: “Sadly, 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.
“We inherited a country where Nigerians won elections and held high political and civil service positions outside their places of origin.
“In our recent past, late Chief M.K.O Abiola and Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe’s presidential ticket was overwhelmingly embraced across the nation despite the fact that they were both Muslims. But it is almost unthinkable in the Nigeria of today. This is certainly not the type of freedom and country our founding fathers fought for.”
He, however, expressed strong belief that Nigeria would overcome its challenges if those in positions of authority embrace good governance and use their positions to rally the nation to common national goals.
He added that the fact that Nigeria remains an indivisible country 55 years after independence despite challenges was a major achievement and a cause to celebrate.
“It also means that the factors upon which the nation’s greatness was predicted are still intact, but we must conscientiously address the issue of national unity to move forward”, he stressed.
