- Governor Ifeanyi Okowa commended President Buhari for keeping Nigeria united
- Okowa said the Independence Day celebration affords Nigerians the opportunity to tackle new challenges
- The governor thanked Nigerians for their constructive criticisms
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state has praised President Muhammadu Buhari for keeping Nigeria united and doing his best to ensure the development of the country.
Okowa, a governor on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said this at a thanksgiving ceremony to mark Nigeria’s 57th Independence anniversary.
READ ALSO: Breaking: Buhari heads Maiduguri to celebrate independence with Nigerian troops
The media office said the ceremony was attended by the wife of the governor, Edith Okowa; the deputy governor, Kingsley Otuaro; two senators, James Manager and Peter Nwaboshi; Amaechi Mrakpor and Victor Nwakolo of the House of Representatives among others.
“The pride of belonging to an independent country imposes a huge responsibility on us, and we, particularly the elites, have extra responsibility to dedicate our services and lives to the progress of the nation.
“Today, we are gathered to celebrate this great national event, the 57th independence anniversary of our dear country, it was a product of sustained struggle by the founding fathers of this great country and it is a thing of joy that our president, Muhammadu Buhari, is doing a lot to keep the country as one indivisible and progressive nation that can take its pride of place among comity of nations.
“This celebration affords us the opportunity to make a critical analysis of our progress so far and to reinvigorate us to tackle new and unfolding challenges by drawing lessons from both our strengths and weaknesses.
“We need to rededicate ourselves to the service of this great nation,” the statement said.
The governor added: “I urge you to remain resilient; we should not be consumed by our petty differences; rather, we should be united by our common humanity, because we are stronger together, no part of the state is more special than the other, together, we can make progress with our collective efforts and work towards the Delta state where we should all be proud to belong.
PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigeria’s #1 new app
“Your incisive criticisms and counsel have helped to stabilise the polity and stay the hands of those who would have either abused or exploited the unfettered freedom that democracy affords citizens of the country.”
NAIJ.com earlier reported that Nigeria’s immediate past president, Goodluck Jonathan, has congratulated citizens as the country marks its 57th Independence anniversary.
Jonathan noted that the country was facing challenges that look insurmountable, but added that he trusts Nigerians would come out strong because of their ‘can-do spirt.
Watch this video of how the Independence Day was celebrated in Abia state:
Source: Naij.com