Nigeria’s Independence: Governor Fashola sues for peace

Nigeria’s Independence: Governor Fashola sues for peace
Abdul Semiu Babalola, Lagos

Nigerians have been told to eschew bitterness and maintain peaceful co-existence with one another for the country to fully attain the potentials it possesses, just as the country marks its 51st independence anniversary.

The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola, gave the charge in an interview with journalists after observing the special Jummat service to mark the country’s independence anniversary, at the secretariat mosque, Alausa, Ikeja.

Common country

According to the governor, “I celebrate with Nigerians as our country marks its 51st Independence Anniversary. I wish Nigerians a very happy anniversary. Let me say that the future that I see is one that the divergent groups aspire to a common country.

“It will not happen in division. I believe that the assets that this country has which is distributed so generously and richly across its diverse paths will only be put to optimal use if its people come together”.

While appealing to all those who are aggrieved to remain calm, Governor Fashola said the nation’s greatness lies in increased productivity among all cadre of workers and not a continuous disruption of the system, through unnecessary agitations.

Uplifting the country into greatness

“I think this country has seen one strike too many. I think it is comfort and luxury that precipitated that strike. We must understand that those comfort and luxury that we seek will only be delivered by increasing productivity rather than increasing disruptions”, the Governor added.

Earlier in his sermon, the officiating cleric, Alhaji Akeem Kosoko, enjoined Nigerians to uphold justice, fairness and equity.

He said Nigerians should see themselves as one and work towards uplifting the country into greatness.

Special prayers for peace, unity and progress were said for the country, Lagos State and Nigerians.

Iheanacho