Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has affirmed that Nigeria has demonstrated unwavering dedication to democracy and the principles of legal governance, as the country reaches a significant milestone on its path towards becoming a more prosperous and just nation.
President Tinubu said this in his nationwide broadcast delivered on Sunday, October 1st, 2023, on the 63rd anniversary of Nigeria’s independence.
He also said that Nigeria has defied the predictions of those who envisaged divisibility of the country thereby upholding her democracy and successfully democratically electing a 7th consecutive civilian government.
He says, “Forging a nation based on the fair application of these noble principles to a diverse population has been a task of significant blessing but also serial challenge. Some people have said an independent Nigeria should never have come into existence. Some have said that our country would be torn apart. They are forever mistaken. Here, our nation stands and here we shall remain.
“This year, we passed a significant milestone in our journey to a better Nigeria. By democratically electing a 7th consecutive civilian government, Nigeria has proven that commitment to democracy and the rule of law remains our guiding light.”
The Nigeria Leader asserted that the successes the country has attained would remain defining aspects of the nation’s identity, and the challenges it has faced would serve to fortify its citizens.
“No one is greater or lesser than the other. The triumphs that Nigeria has achieved shall define us. The travails we have endured shall strengthen us. And no other nation or power on this earth shall keep us from our rightful place and destiny. This nation belongs to you, dear people. Love and cherish it as your very own,” he said.
President Tinubu further remarked that building a nation rooted in the equitable implementation of noble principles among a diverse populace has been a task of significant blessings and recurrent challenges.
“Let us, at this very moment, affirm that as Nigerians, we are all endowed with the sacred rights and individual gifts that God has bestowed on us as a nation and as human beings. No one is greater or lesser than the other. The triumphs that Nigeria has achieved shall define us. The travails we have endured shall strengthen us. And no other nation or power on this earth shall keep us from our rightful place and destiny. This nation belongs to you, dear people. Love and cherish it as your very own.”
The President further eulogised the nation’s dynamic blend of ethnic groups, saying that Nigeria’s creation and its fundamental essence are exceptional.
“Nigeria is remarkable in its formation and essential character. We are a broad and dynamic blend of ethnic groups, religions, traditions and cultures. Yet, our bonds are intangible yet strong, invisible yet universal. We are joined by a common thirst for peace and progress, by the common dream of prosperity and harmony and by the unifying ideals of tolerance and justice,” the Nigerian leader said.
President Tinubu avowed that an improved Nigeria can only be achieved through courage, compassion and commitment as one indivisible unit.
“Fellow compatriots, the journey ahead will not be navigated by fear or hatred. We can only achieve our better Nigeria through courage, compassion and commitment as one indivisible unit,” he stated.
The President congratulated the judiciary as a pillar of democracy and fairness.
He lauded the National Assembly for its role in the quick take-off of his administration through the performance of the institution’s constitutional duties of confirmation and oversight.
“I also thank members of our dynamic civil society organizations and labour unions for their dedication to Nigerian democracy. We may not always agree but I value your advice and recommendations. You are my brothers and sisters and you have my due respect.”
The Nigerian President promised to remain committed and serve the nation faithfully.
The theme of Nigeria’s 63rd Independence anniversary is Nigeria @ 63: Renewed Hope for Unity & Prosperity.
Confidence Okwuchi
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