Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on Nigerians to remain united despite their current existential challenges and struggles for economic survival.
He also enjoined governments at all levels to enunciate policies that will lead to improved standards of living for the average Nigerian, assuring that the future ahead of the nation will be brighter and better.
In his goodwill message on the occasion of Nigeria’s 61st Independence anniversary, the former vice president expressed concern at the level of disunity, intolerance and bigotry in the country, which he said had resulted in conflicts with its attendant losses of human lives and property.
“I believe that our common interests are greater than those things that divide us. If we spend our energies on division rather than fighting for our common interests, it will be more difficult to bring about positive change to assuage the situation,” Atiku noted.
Atiku said when the citizens are united, they are more likely to bring about the desired change than when they are divided.
He reminded leaders at all levels of the imperative of making democracy work for all through justice, equity, fairness and even spread of development across the country.
He expressed regrets that despite the nation’s vast oil resources, extreme poverty and joblessness have remained persistent.
The former vice president called for bipartisan initiatives by political leaders to address the spate of insecurity, which has been compounded by joblessness and poor living conditions.
“Insurgent activities have sprung up as a result of unemployment and joblessness of our able young men and women. Frustration sets in and this encourages them to be involved in activities that are detrimental to our collective peace and security,” he noted.
While wishing Nigerians at home and abroad a happy Independence Day, Atiku said though the nation is beset with challenges, “we must not surrender to them.
“We must work together in truth and justice, to overcome these challenges, as a stronger and more united country.”