The Senator representing Akwa Ibom North East Senatorial District, Bassey Albert Akpan has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the 60th Independence Anniversary to “ponder on the lessons of our dire history” and for sober reflection.
Akpan, in his Independence Day message signed by himself and issued on Thursday, admonished Nigerians to hold on to the fact that “though tribes and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand.”
He noted that as the giant of Africa, “we must arise as compatriots and reinvent the Nigeria of our dream, where “peace and justice shall reign.””
The Senator who chairs the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), in his message titled, “Nigeria At 60: Salute To Our Fatherland & Time For Sober Reflection,” said further: “The dawn of our anniversary today as a sovereign nation is quite evocative. It resonates with delight the memorable emergence of our dear country, Nigeria, amongst the comity of independent nations on that historic day of October 1, 1960.
“The rise to self-rule, which ended British colonialism, effectively placed on Nigerians the leadership of Nigeria. It is therefore a mileage worth celebrating as our nation attains the diamond age of sixty. Our rejoicing is reinforced by our unquantifiable accomplishments and triumphs despite glimpses of multifaceted challenges. I join my fellow compatriots to offer gratitude to the Almighty God for His immense act of benevolence upon our nation since our independence.”
He, on behalf of his wife and constituents felicitated with President Muhammadu Buhari and all Nigerians “on this momentous occasion of our 60 years of nationhood.”
He also felicitated with the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, and the people of the state “on this landmark celebration.”
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Paying tribute to the county’s “heroes and successive leadership for their struggle which led to the independence of our country and for their inputs for the survival and development of our dear nation – Nigeria,” the Senator posited that “the roadmap is for all leaders in the various strata of our society vis-à-vis the government, formal and informal sectors, to unite and be conscientious in conduct and service to ensure a healthier and prosperous nation.”
According to him, that the nation “successfully overcame a daunting 30-month civil war, infers that with unity of purpose, sincerity and total commitment, we shall equally overpower and put behind us the seemingly intractable cases of insurgencies, and other avalanche of criminalities like banditry and kidnapping.”
“Agenda 2050 as put forward by President Muhammadu Buhari as the new development plan to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty by 2030 is a laudable vision. Nigeria can only be better developed by Nigerians.
“Our collective resolve to enthrone peace, tranquility and good governance will ensure that the labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain. May the Almighty God continue to bless our land and people, as well as grant our leaders the wisdom to direct and guide aright at all times,” he added.
