As Nigeria clocks 61 years of corporate existence as a nation, President Muhammadu Buhari has urged citizens to remain united for the prosperity of the nation.
The Nigerian leader made the call in a nationwide broadcast to citizens in commemoration of the 61st independence anniversary.
He said: “It is with full gratitude to God that today, we celebrate Nigeria’s 61st Independence Day. For 1st of October1960 to happen, all hands were on deck. East, West, North, all came together to celebrate freedom. Today should not only serve as a reminder of the day the British handed over the reins of power to Nigerians, but also unified Nigerians from all ethnic groups. Religions and regions.”
President Buhari emphasized that despite the challenges presently confronting the nation, nothing should be allowed to divide Nigeria.
“Today, despite the challenges we face, most Nigerians still maintain the spirit of 1st October. That positive outlook and determination to make Nigeria a peaceful and prosperous nation. It is due to this collective attitude that Nigeria doggedly continues to remain a united and indivisible nation.
“Fellow Nigerians, the past 18 months have been some of the most difficult periods in the history of Nigeria. Since the civil war, I we have seen a period of more heightened challenges than what we have witnessed in this period.
“Our regional priorities for 2020 were to continue stabilizing our economy following the deep recession while restoring peace in areas confronted with security challenges. But the COVID-19 pandemic and its devastating impact on all nations meant we needed to shift gear and re-strategize.”
President Buhari stated that Nigeria has resolved to remain a peaceful and united country, as he warned that anybody involved in inciting violence through words or action would be arrested and prosecuted.
