Deputy President of the Senate , Ovie Omo-Agege, immediate past President of the Senate, David Mark and Senator Chimaroke Nnamani (PDP Enugu East), paid glowing tributes to Nigeria and Nigerians on the Diamond jubilee of the country as an independent nation.
The trio in separate goodwill messages saluted Nigerians for proving wrong, those who predicted breakup of the country before now.
They urged Nigerians of all tribes, to remain united and live peacefully with one another, despite the daunting challenges facing the nation.
Omo-Agege in his own message signed his media adviser, Yomi Odunuga said the country has demonstrated unusual resilience in the face of many odds within the last 60 years.
Omo-Agege who doubles as Chairman, Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, said”Today, in spite of our past and current challenges, we are alive to witness and celebrate Nigeria’s 60th independence anniversary.”
“No doubt, those who focus on our half-empty cup see unending challenges while the majority appreciate our modest successes in overcoming the countless obstacles in our journey to nationhood.
“Today, due to the patriotic commitment and great sacrifices of our heroes past and patriots still alive, Nigeria has continued to demonstrate unusual resilience in the face of many odds.”
Mark in his own message called on Nigerians to close ranks in building a nation of one people, one destiny.
He urged the political class to review critically the underlying concerns of Nigerians believed to be aggravating agitations, ethno-religious conflicts and insecurity in the country.
Such concerns he pointed out as restructuring, unemployment, income inequalities, imbalance in the distribution of social amenities, perceived marginalisation and inadequate infrastructures among others.
He stressed that the road map to our development is to identify and genuinely address those ills militating against it.
“Until the issues agitating Nigerians are addressed in a manner that gives every citizen security and a sense of belonging, the quest for peace, unity and development may just be a mirage,” he said.
Senator Nnamani in his own message, declared that equity and justice are panacea to unity and progress of the country.
These according to him, are the cardinal principle leaders at all levels must apply in management and administration of the society.
He expressed optimism that the hope of a united and prosperous country envisaged at independence on October 1, 1960 can still be achieved, if we work as a team like a people with a common purpose and mission.”
