The task of nation building lies in the hands of every Nigerian, irrespective of tribe, religion and class. This necessitated the October 1, 2019, special goodwill message on the celebration of Nigeria’s 59th Independence sent by the Chairman of the Alliance National Party (ANP) to President Muhammadu Buhari.
Quoting from Asiwaju Mashood Shittu’s letter to the president, he stated that the journey of Nigeria`s nationhood has been characterized by growth and development milestones that demonstrated the country’s strength as the giant of Africa.
He said that beyond being the giant of Africa, Nigeria has also been a trail blazer in creating a technological course to development in the continent. As Nigeria, according to the ANP chairman, marks yet another journey into annals of history, the party is honoured to be a key player in the growth progression of our country.
At a time some unpatriotic and undesirable elements from both political and civil society arena are denting the image of the country and the administration, well-meaning political parties like the Alliance National Party are contributing positively through peaceful, hopeful and appealing messages and goodwill letters in order to further unite the country in this era of insurgency, anti-corruption fight and other security challenges.
In continuation of his well-meaning message to President Buhari, ANP chairman emphasised that it is noteworthy that we use this golden opportunity of the Independence Day celebration to give accolades to those heroes of Nigeria’s independence, those bold, intelligent and determined Nigerians who spearheaded the struggle of our nation’s Independence for the liberation of Nigerian people from colonialism.
These great men and women of valour must continue to be recognised, appreciated and celebrated by all. We must as a people and beneficiaries of their sacrifices unite for the great task of protecting and defending Nigeria’s “sovereignty” so that the labour of our heroes past shall not be in vain.
This particular point explains the forever regard and recognition Nigerians deserve to give to late statesmen that morally fought for our independence.
Above all, the party’s appreciation of the federal government of Nigeria under the astute leadership of President Buhari on the various palliative initiatives and measures towards diversifying our nation’s economy. Food security, according to the party, is of great importance in every national sustainable goals. The massive turn around in agricultural and infrastructural development is a giant stride of this administration worthy of commendation. The ANP expressed optimism that before the 60th anniversary of Nigeria independence, sustainable number of roads across the country will be spotless with the ongoing massive rehabilitation works, the social investment scheme targeted at supporting youth of Nigeria (graduates N-Power) basic school pupils (School Feeding Programme) Marketmen and women (Trader Moni) and farmers (Farmers Moni) have greatly impacted on the social security cycle of our nation. Your Excellency, according to the ANP chairman in the goodwill message, I strongly recommend sustainability and strengthening of the schemes for robust improvement towards poverty alleviation and empowerment of Nigeria which remain one of the cardinal agenda of this administration as declared recently at the just concluded United Nations General Assembly in New York by the president.
ANP chairman also stated that it is obvious that the clog in the wheel of our nation’s progress since independence has being corruption. The concerted efforts and doggedness by the government in fighting this common enemy of development is highly commendable as it’s yielding robust results already. He called on government at all levels to collaborate with the federal government in this crusade against corruption. He said Industrialisation of Nigeria is only feasible with steady power supply, therefore, government should strive to make industrial revolution at this 21st century workable and realistic in Nigeria for us to meet up with other developing countries. He Implored the youth to remain steadfast and rekindle their hope in this great nation of ours and stop running for greener pasture in uncertain destinations.
The Alliance National Party chairman’s called on other political leaders to put behind the past and partner with the Buhari government in order to move the country forward especially in area of delivering of democracy dividends, as we have no any other country than Nigeria. For Nigeria to succeed, our individual and collective contributions are enormous. If we collectively work together as leaders, we can restore Nigeria to the part of glory which has eluded us for decades. Thank God, the personality on the driver seat of the economy is fearless, focused and dedicated. In conclusions, the Alliance National Party chairman, Mashood Shittu, also a former presidential candidate of the party in the 2019 election, urged fellow political leaders across the country to collaborate with the incumbent administration in order to rebuild the synergy and re-install the confidence required of us to develop a nation of our dream where talent are explored and supported, businesses are encouraged and developed, agricultural produce are processed and exported. It will lead to the discovery of potential of every region for the general development of Nigeria.
Mahmud writes from Abuja.
