Governor Mai Mala-Buni of Yobe has said that Nigeria’s 61st Independence Anniversary was a veritable tool to foster unity, strength and integration among diverse nationalities in the country.
Mr Buni stated this in a statement signed by his Director-General Press and Media Affairs, Mamman Mohammed, on Friday in Damaturu.
Mr Buni said that the long history of integration among the various ethnic and socio-cultural groups should be a source of unity in diversity for the country.
“At 61 years, Nigerians should concentrate on issues that unite the country rather than divisive tendencies,” Mr Buni said in the statement.
The governor said that although Nigeria might not have reached where it wanted to be after 61 years of independence, yet we have cause to celebrate our existence as a country.
He said that Nigeria remained a united country with lots of hope to prosper and attain greatness in spite of numerous challenges.
“We should remember that every country including the developed nations have their challenges, ours should not be an exception to contest our existence as a country and provoke our growth and development.
“Nigerians should face the challenge and contribute to national growth and development for us to collectively achieve our target of a better country,” he said.
Mr Buni reiterated the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari-led-administration towards building a solid foundation that would stand the test of time, institute good governance and enhance effective service delivery.
According to him, the APC as a ruling party is redefining party politics in Nigeria through institutionalisation of a strong internal democracy and a bottom-up approach, to give ownership of the party and power to the people.
“It is pertinent for us as a ruling party and other political parties in the opposition not to see politics as a do or die affair but a ladder to nation-building.
“We should, therefore, play clean, pure and wholesome politics to promote democratic growth and developmental politics that is beneficial to the people of Nigeria.”
Mr Buni further urged Nigerians to support and cooperate with the Buhari administration in its drive to build a prosperous nation.
NAN
