Time to Stand up for Nigeria

By Prof. Rufai Ahmed Alkali

The first of October every year is Nigeria’s independence anniversary. It is a day that is historic in many respects. Apart from bringing to the fore the immeasurable and selfless struggles of our founding fathers which led to the attainment of independence in 1960, the day offers a golden opportunity to all Nigerians for a deeper reflection on the essence of nationhood.
At independence, the founding fathers committed themselves to building a united, strong and prosperous nation, where everyone irrespective of tribe and religion shall rise to protect and defend the country. Indeed, this commitment was to ensure that our diverse people who are blessed with abundant human and material resources will live in peace and harmony.
Over the last 51 years therefore, Nigerians of all walks of life have left no one in doubt of their total commitment to this sacred ideal. In this vein, though Nigeria fought a fratricidal civil war, it emerged stronger from it. There was no victor and there was no vanquished! Through the subsequent challenge of the last two decades of the 20st century and the beginning of the 21st century, Nigerians have remained ever united in the indivisibility of their nation.
While the greatest challenge of the 80s and 90s was how to return Nigeria to the path of democracy, May 29th 1999 became the water shed in the collective struggle for the enthronement of democracy as the best form of government. As we celebrate the 51years of independence, Nigerians have every reason to also celebrate our democratic gains as a nation. The Peoples Democratic Party is pleased to be associated with the historic progress the Federal Government has made to further the realization of the vision of the founding fathers of Nigeria.
Today, President Goodluck Jonathan has unfolded as well as taken critical steps in the quest to transform Nigeria. It is noteworthy, that for the first time in recent history, Nigerians went to the polls to vote their leaders in elections adjudged by local and international observers as free, fair and credible.
There is no doubt that the task of building a strong, united and prosperous Nigeria as envisioned by our founding fathers is not easy. However, the commitment and steadfastness of Nigerians, coupled with the numerous efforts of our leaders past and present are enough assurance that things can only get better.
Perhaps, there is no better time to stand up for Nigeria than today. There is no better time to prove that the efforts of our heroes past shall not be in vain than now. The present challenge of development for example, will no doubt melt away in the face of the resolve of the people to live together in one indivisible nation.
As we mark this year’s independence anniversary therefore, Nigerians must remain undaunted in their determination for peaceful co-existence. All interest groups with any form of grievance should seek the path of dialogue rather than resort to senseless violence; Nigerians as well as friends of Nigeria should continue to support President Goodluck Jonathan in his efforts to transform Nigeria.

Source: FRCN daily commentary