Nigeria@57: Secessionists should have a rethink – Ambode Follow @Hitbizafrika

Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, on Sunday urged individuals and groups calling for a break-up of the country to have a rethink, stressing that the country’s unity was required to address its challenges.

The governor, while urging Nigerians to abide by those values engendered by the country’s founding fathers, expressed the belief that the key to better future for Nigeria and Nigerians was to restructure the country.

The governor gave the charge at the Independence Day Parade to commemorate 57th National Independence Anniversary of the country, noting that this was not the time for dismemberment of Nigeria, rather a time for every Nigerian to remain united, confident and hopeful for better days ahead.

Speaking at the event which took place at Police College ground, Ikeja and attended by clerics, traditional rulers and others, the governor, who was represented by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tunji Bello, said it was time for each and every Nigerian to rise against the ills that had for long, not only undermined the country’s progress but also her ability to harness potentials to enable the citizenry to live a decent life.

“It is a time for each and every one of us to rise against the ills that have, for long, not only undermined our progress but also our ability to harness our potential as a people to live a decent life.

“At this time last year, we were faced with the challenge of economic recession. Today, we celebrate the fact that our nation is on the path of recovery,” the governor said.

The governor said as the country began to exit recession and taking full momentum with this year’s independence anniversary, Nigerians should ensure they make serious assessment of the country’s and resolve to abide by values that were set by the country’s founding fathers.

He, however, noted that while abiding by those values, it had become obvious that the present system of governance was not best for Nigeria and does not hold the key to better future.

“We must take necessary steps to activate the process for restructuring of the present systems with a view to adopting a proactive system that will empower the component units of our federation to meet the yearning and aspirations of our people for a better living condition.”