Lokoja – A cross section of Nigerians on
Wednesday said Nigeria’s 54th Independence
anniversary was worth celebrating because “we
are still a united nation’’ in spite of the
numerous challenges.

Other citizens, however, said that the
atmosphere was not ripe for celebration due to
insurgency in parts of the country and the
Chibok girls, among other challenges.

A PDP member in Kogi, Mr Adelodun Obaseki,
said in Lokoja that “Nigerians have every
reason to celebrate as in spite of all odds, God
has always been by our side’’.

Obaseki pointed out the level of developments
that the country had experienced in the last
few decades as some of the reasons for
celebration.

He noted that the PDP had proved itself to be
a party that all Nigerians should embrace
through its infrastructural developments in all
aspects of national life through the
transformation agenda of President Goodluck
Jonathan.

Another resident, Mr Salaudeen Mohammed,
however, said that there was need for sobriety
because of the security challenges threatening
the country.

“What are we celebrating when over 200
Chibok girls are still being held captive by
insurgents in the North, with killings and
kidnappings in the South?,’’ he asked.
He noted that the nation still suffered epileptic
power supply, massive youth unemployment,
corruption and persistent strikes.

“Just give me a reason why we should celebrate
when at 54, Nigeria still depends on
importation of domestic goods, building
materials and many other things,’’ said
Salaudeen.

He, however, advised political leaders and
governments at all levels to shun corruption
and work for the betterment of our nation.
A taxi driver, Mr Samuel Elian, lamented the
poor condition of the state and federal roads
across the country, saying it was a cause for
concern.

He enjoined the various tiers of government to
do the needful to restore people’s confidence
in the polity by delivering the benefits of
independence.

Mr Ibrahim Tola, a private legal practitioner in
Abuja, called for the construction of quality
road network across the country and the
provision of educational facilities, healthcare
service, agricultural inputs and improved
electricity supply, among other basic social
amenities and infrastructure.

Mrs Eletta Awoniyi, a civil servant, said Nigeria
should celebrate the sustained unity of the
nation at 54 in spite of the various ills
bedevilling the country.

She urged Nigerians to set aside religious,
political and tribal differences, and embrace
unity and peace which were needed to
surmount the security challenges facing the
country.

“Nigerians should join hands in the spirit of
oneness and support our President Goodluck
Jonathan in the fight against the enemies of
our nation,” she urged. (NAN)


source: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/10/celebrating-chibok-girls-still-captive/