The Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has felicitated with Nigerians on the 55th independence anniversary of the country.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Turaki Hassan, in Abuja, the Speaker said that although Nigeria was facing multifarious challenges, “nonetheless the country has witnessed significant improvement in some areas,’’ adding that Nigerians had cause to celebrate the event.
“I will urge our people to use this period to give thanks to God for keeping the country one, despite many upheavals and prophesies of doom,” the statement said.
Dogara, who said that Nigeria was far behind in many areas and ranked among the lowest in the human development index, however, expressed optimism that “happy times will be here again.”
“Rather than grieving over problems and challenges facing the country, Nigerians must as a matter of necessity move away from lamentation and hopelessness,” he urged.
The speaker also called on Nigeria to move a new era of hope and positivity about the future of the country.
“As leaders, we are aware of the task before us as there is so much work to do which requires sacrifice by all Nigerians.
‘Thus we will plead with our people not to lose hope in their leaders as most nations have passed through similar challenges and emerged stronger.
‘I have strong hope and conviction that Nigeria, will also overcome these challenges. This too, shall pass away and happy times will be here again,’ the statement said.
It added that the eighth House of Representatives will continue to enact people-oriented legislations that would be targeted at solving the current socio-economic and security challenges of the country.
The statement also commended efforts by the military to recover territories taken by insurgents in the North East region.
“I call on all citizens to support the fight against terrorism so that millions of our people who are internally displaced with some being refugees in other countries will return home and live in peace, freedom and happiness.’
Similarly, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yussuff Lasun, also enjoined Nigerians to be hopeful toward a brighter future.
Lasun’s advice contained in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Wole Oladimeji.
Lai Mohammed, National Publicity Secretary of the party, in a statement in Lagos also urged the citizens to celebrate the anniversary by remembering all the nation’s past heroes and the sacrifices they made to keep the nation united and strong.
“We have no doubt that today’s generation of Nigerians have also made, and are indeed still making, great sacrifices for the peace, unity and stability of Nigeria.
“They have to re-commit themselves to serving their fatherland with love, strength and faith,” he said.
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