Members of the House of Representatives have paid tribute to Nigeria as the nation marks its 63rd Independence anniversary.
The tributes followed a motion by the Leader of the House, Hon Julius Ihonbvere who said Nigeria has been through a lot of challenges and needs to be celebrated.
While congratulating Nigerians, he urged the political class and leaders in general to work together to make Nigeria a better place for all.
“Note that on Sunday, October 1st 2023, Nigeria celebrated her 63rd Independence anniversary. Also note that the president and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, addressed the nation, where he appreciated and acknowledged the contribution of Nigeria’s past leaders. Aware that from the day of Independence, Nigeria has witnessed a lot of progress as well as challenges and deep contradictions; Also aware that the present administration is poised to address these challenges and provide far reaching solutions to our problems,” Hon Ihonbvere said.
The Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Benjamin Kalu opened the floor to members from different zones to contribute and talk about Nigeria.
In his remarks, Hon. Sada Soli, called on the government to fight insecurities in the country.
He also called for Civil Service Forms saying “This country has made a lot of progress over the years. We experience our challenges as a nation. Over the years we have struggled with almost the same issues, coming out of some and retiring into others and unfortunately going round and round the same circle. One of the issues that is being avoided to be discussed in this country is the problem that we have in the public sector governance. The level of infectious corruption in our public sector governance bedevils our progress, but we fail to address this issue. Why did I say public sector? Our civil service today is not the civil service we knew in the 1960s where we had super permanent secretaries that will call ministers to order,” Hon. Soli pointed out.
He said that all the region of the country is battling one issue or the other.
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For Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, he said the House of Representatives needs to talk less and do more.
“My dear colleagues, the truth is that the future of this country rests on our shoulders. The progress of any nation starts from the parliament,” he noted
Also speaking, Hon. Babajimi Benson, urged the Nigerian government to ramp up electricity in the country.
Hon. Abdul Dasuki, said that the Nigerian government needs to provide a living wage for Nigerians “in the shortest possible time” to ease their pains.
Similarly, Hon Khadijat Buna Abba Ibrahim, said that “We only have ourselves as Nigerians. We must emulate our forefathers and trust and believe in each other”
On his part, Hon Olumide Oshoba said that Nigeria is blessed with human and mineral resources.
“I believe what we should be talking about is how to stop the brain drain, how to stop the mineral theft in Nigeria. We have the mineral to make our country better,” Hon Oshoba said.
He said that Nigeria has vibrant youths that can move the country forward and they must be made to stay and develop Nigeria.
Hon. Dachung Bagos called on the Nigerian government to embrace technology to address insecurities in the country.
On her part, Hon Blessing Amadi called for the implementation of the federal character principles to promote peaceful coexistence.
Meanwhile, Hon Afam Ogene, called on the executive arm of government to look at political solutions to insecurities.
He advised the federal government to release Nnamdi Kanu to end the security challenges in the south east.
Other members of the House of Representatives also paid glowing tributes to Nigeria at sixty-three.
The Deputy Speaker who presided over plenary ruled that no crisis should break Nigeria.
