As Nigeria marks 57th Independence anniversary, two members of the House of Representatives say that peaceful coexistence is crucial in the development of the country.
They said in separate interviews on Sunday in Abuja, that the country must attain independence from tribalism and partisan political bigotry.
Rep. Akinfolarin Mayowa (Ondo-PDP) said there was the need for Nigerians to strengthen the bond of unity, advising that it was only by being together that the ideals of the nation’s founding fathers could be actualized.
“As leaders, we will continue to talk to each other; we cannot afford not to be together in this country because the advantages derived from being together are far more than when there is division.
“My prayer is that God should continue to hold this country together and our leaders should as much as possible forget ethnic sentiments,’’ he said.
The lawmaker, however, said that peace and development could elude the country if there was no justice, equity and fairness.
Mayowa also called for attitudinal change among Nigerians, saying “we should always strive to see that Nigeria is united and do things that will promote a good society.
“For instance, when people are placed in a position, instead of thinking of how to serve, they rather think of how to enrich their pockets,’’ the lawmaker said.
Similarly, Rep. Olasupo Adeola (Oyo-APC) said that the strength of the country lay in its diversity.
“We are stronger staying together; our strength lies in our number and size,’’ he said.
The lawmaker, however, urged the Federal Government to step up efforts to correct any historical imbalance that threatened the country’s unity.
According to him, Nigeria must remain one and indivisible but there are imbalances that must be looked into.
While urging Nigerians to be patient with the Federal Government to deliver on its campaign promises, Adeola said that the current administration had set a pace for development.
“You don’t just build a house on a muddy floor; you need to clear the muddy hurdle to get to the solid ground. Nigeria is just getting to the solid ground.
“By the time we get to the firm foundation which we are doing now, the indices are showing towards that direction but what people interpret is money in your pocket and food in their stomach.
“Yes, it is essential but that is not indices to determine; it is for us to be patient with the government and we build on our gains and stronger we will be together,’’ he said.
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