As Nigeria marks its Fifty-ninth Independence Anniversary, the Speaker Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uche Victor Okafor says God has continued to shape and superintend over the affairs of the country despite numerous challenges.
In his message to mark this year’s independence anniversary, Okafor expressed satisfaction with the contributions of foremost political leaders who fought for Nigeria’s independence towards the corporate existence of the country, describing them as selfless and visionary leaders.
The speaker while wishing Nigerians especially Ndi Anambra a happy independence celebration, enjoined them to uphold only those things that will uplift the people and unite the nation. He called on the nation’s ruling political class to see the peace and progress of the country as a priority by formulating policies and programs that would benefit the masses.
Okafor, enjoined both government and private security operatives in the state to join hands with Governor Willie Obiano in sustaining his security initiative which he said is the best in the country while calling for equitable distribution of the nation’s resources among the six geopolitical zones of the country.
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The member representing Aguata 1 constituency, Carter Nnamdi Umeh in his Independent message emphasized the need to create a synergy between the executive, legislature, judiciary and the masses at large.
According to him “1st October in Nigeria is a day remarkably set aside to celebrate Nigeria’s Independence and the birth of freedom from foreign domination. I could remember the passions, jingles, and bells rang on this day by our heroes past celebrating development yet unseen. According to them, they foresaw a prime Nigeria where policies will be aimed at transforming the lives of a common man, where Government Officials will be seen as Nationalist whose power is predicated on how much lives are being affected, and most importantly where loyalty, patriotism to the motherland is everyone’s top priority.
“How many are willing to die for the Nigerians course? Are we politicians emulating the legacies of our heroes’ past? And do the powers of the government predicate how well they affect the lives of people who elect them into office? If we can’t answer all this, then everything all this while has been a Mirage.
“It’s time Nigerians ranging from the elders, elites, ruling class, and people reevaluate and work down the aisle of History to know where we got it all wrong. Maybe checks and balances need to be restored within Government in order to restore the hope of every common man in Nigerian.
“Our Executives, Legislatures, and Judiciary should work with Synergy but independently to ensure this. Then to the people, Support your leaders, pray for them and ask God to restore sanity in the system”.
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The member representing Awka North Constituency, John Nwokoye on his part said ”59 years after the British packed up their stuff and left our corridors of power, I can’t but reflect on the state of our nation and ask if indeed we are truly independent. Our current state can hardly be described as independent and calls for sober reflection.
“But it can get better. We will get better and our nation will get there but we must quit talking and start working. Over the years, our people are no longer interested in those of us who represent them intend to do, rather they want to see and feel the positive impact of that work in their lives.
“With a love for my immediate Constituency, Awka North; My State, Anambra; and Nigeria; a fierce commitment to a vision of rapid progress for our large population is what I am focused on achieving.
“To be truly independent in Nigeria, there is need for a radical change in the political leadership. A visionary, competent and inclusive leadership that truly cares about our country, such as we are bringing to Awka North.
“I concur with Fela Durotoye, a business consultant, leadership expert, and motivational speaker, when he said; “A nation is not defined by its borders or the boundaries of its landmass, rather, a nation is defined by adverse people who have been unified by a cause and a value system and who are committed to a vision for the type of society they wish to live in and give to the future generations to come.”
“Anambra State has a land mass of 4,844km², the least after Lagos State, but has managed through the visionary leadership of the present Government to harness its potentials and placing it among the fastest-growing states in Nigeria.
As a country, we need leadership equipped with the skills, intellect, and competence to wage a decisive war against poverty and unemployment. A Nigeria in which our youth can fulfill their full potential and our daughters can aspire to any opportunity they desire.
Every political leader, holding elected position from Local Government, to State Government and the Federal Level, must set concrete objectives and achievable programs for their people. Only by this can we really have reasons to celebrate Independence Day. Good leadership begins with me and you.
On behalf of my Constituency, Awka North, and as we truly seek to be independent and move forward, I wish every Nigerian happy 59th celebration of our existence as a Nation.
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