Former presidential aspirant on the platform of the Labour Party, Mr Samson Uchenna Charles, has urged Nigerians to de-emphasise ethnicity in their personal introductions and identifications in the public, saying that ethnic introduction have divided Nigerians more that it united them.
Charles also warned that if the country did not learn to cut the size of running its administration, it would not make the needed progress, as no country had thrived on spending more than it generated.
Speaking on theme: ‘Renewed Hope’, Wednesday night in Abuja at the NASS News Award 2023, the international businessman turned politician who stated that he preferred to be introduced as Sammy of Nigeria, noted that the National Assembly had a great role to play in fostering unity among Nigerians.
According to him, “without unity among the divergent components, the country cannot grow”, wondering whether the country could attain the level of renewed hope it had always clamoured for.
Charles, a recepients of the NASS News 2023 award, underscored the need for an amended constitution, saying that the present one had “become a heavy burden on Nigeria and does not possess the requisite elements to unite the country.”
He expressed sadness over the plight of Nigerian children and the youth who he said ought to be the leaders of tomorrow urging all and sundry to imbibe the culture of sacrifice with a view to guaranteeing a better future.
“We talk about hope. What are we hoping for? Our nation has not been on a progressive path. We do not need to address ourselves as Igbo, Hausa or Yoruba so that the country can unite. Outside we address ourselves as brothers. Why can’t we do the same here, he wondered.
“When I hear about the Nigeria child, I shed tears because I know what they are passing through. Other countries sacrifice for their youth and their children but here, it is a different case.
“Our destiny is in our hands. We should be able to sacrifice for the children to guarantee their future. We have to help so that when we hope we can translate that hope into reality.”
Also speaking, the representative of the Emir of Zazzau, Alh Aminu Yakubu Wamba called for greater collaboration between the National Assembly and the traditional rulers.