Nigeria at 54: Northern Governors Forum urges unity

The Northern States Governors’ Forum on Tuesday urged Nigerians to mark the country’s 54 years anniversary by working for its unity and prosperity.
The forum’s Chairman and Niger State Governor, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, made the appeal in a statement signed by his spokesman, Israel Ebije, and made available to newsmen in Minna.
The statement said that the forum was optimistic of the continued existence of Nigeria against speculation of its collapse in 2015.
It, therefore, called on Nigerians to remember the labour of the country’s founding fathers and shun acts that would make the prophecy real.
The statement said that it was the duty of all citizens to shun acts that would undermine the unity of the country.
The statement said: “We want a country where we can be independent from personal or group interests but united towards achieving common goal and aspiration as one Nigeria.
“While we have challenges of insecurity amidst fears of disintegration, we must realise that Nigeria has prospect, Nigeria has considerable international presence regardless of our challenges today.
“Believe me, so many nationals wish they are Nigerians.”
The statement pointed out that the current security situation was drawing negative impression that Nigeria would soon be over.
However, Babangida expressed optimism that Nigeria would be peaceful once politics was played as a thing of service.
The statement added: “It is therefore my sincere prayers that Nigerians should mark this Independence Day celebration in the spirit of reconciliation.
“We must work towards healing wounds triggered by politics, religion and ethnicity. We need true reconciliation to work together as an indivisible entity.
“We shouldn’t just mark this year’s independence just for its ceremonial value; but for the sake of encouraging ourselves that Nigeria is indeed a country worth fighting for, a country of patriotic citizenry and a country we are proud of.”