*Say Gov Otti of Abia State, good example
By Ime Silas
The Labour Party has felicitated with Nigerians at home and in the diaspora on the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary, urging citizens not to lose hope despite prevailing economic and security challenges.
In a press statement to mark the anniversary issued and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ken Eluma Asogwa, the party said while the country’s journey since 1960 has been marked by missed opportunities and unfulfilled expectations, there remains much to celebrate.
The Labour Party said Nigeria’s continued existence as one indivisible nation, despite confronting numerous political, ethnic and economic challenges over the past 66 years, speaks to the collective resolve of its people and an understanding that the country’s strength lies in its unity and diversity.
The party acknowledged that Nigerians are currently burdened by a myriad of economic and security challenges, which it attributed to successive years of ineffective leadership and governance.
“Granted, Nigerians are today burdened by myriad economic and security challenges, some of which are the consequences of successive years of ineffective leadership and governance. Yet, as we continue to strive and hope for a better future, the Labour Party urges our beleaguered citizens not to despair,” the statement read.
The party noted that it would amount to a double tragedy for a people who have endured years of misrule to surrender hope in their country. It said meaningful change will only come when citizens rise to hold their leaders accountable, an obligation that cannot be fulfilled through resignation or despair.
“There will surely be joy in the morning. It would be a double tragedy for a people who have endured years of misrule to now surrender hope for their country. We must remember that meaningful change will only come when we, as citizens, rise to hold our leaders accountable, an obligation that cannot be fulfilled through resignation or despair,” Asogwa stated.
Against this background, the Labour Party called on Nigerians to look in its direction for exemplary leadership, disclosing that it has fielded competent and credible candidates for the coming general elections, from presidential to state assembly positions.
The party cited the administration of Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, who it described as a product of the Labour Party, as evidence of its capacity to deliver credible leadership. It said Otti’s performance has given Nigerians yearning for change a reason to trust Labour Party candidates in the coming polls.
“Given the demonstrated credible leadership taking place in Abia State, where Governor Alex Otti, a product of the Labour Party, holds sway, the Party is bold to say that it is a party that has been tested and has proven its fidelity to its promises to the Nigerian people. Governor Otti, our pride and a role model in true leadership, has given every Nigerian yearning for change a reason to trust in the candidates of the Labour Party in the coming polls,” the statement added.
The party further called on all those in positions of authority to follow its example and govern with empathy, justice and transparency, stressing that no nation has ever achieved true development without deliberately prioritizing the welfare and wellbeing of its citizens.
As Nigeria marks 66 years of independence, the Labour Party reaffirmed its faith in the Nigerian people and in the capacity of the nation to overcome its present challenges and fulfill its enormous potential.
