Wale Jagun
The Senatorial candidate of the African Action Congress (ACC) in the 2019 General Elections, Comrade Francis Shonubi, popularly called ‘Manikongo’, has stated that the 60th Independence anniversary provided the country with the opportunity to reflect on its journey so far.
In his statement sent to THE IMPACT, the former students’ unionist said that Nigerians are celebrating independence in the face of enormous challenges posed by economic ruin and challenges of the ravaging COVID – 19 pandemic.
His statement reads thus:
“Fellow Compatriots, the 2020 celebrations of our Independence Day marks 60 years of our existence as a Nation. This day provides us an opportunity to reflect on our journey as a Nation, our achievements and struggles.
“It is a day to honour our founding fathers who toiled to establish our Republic and every Nigerian who has worked tirelessly to sustain it. We are celebrating this year’s Independence Day despite the COVID-19 pandemic which afflicts our Nation and the whole World.
“It is indeed a very difficult time for everyone, especially those who have lost loved ones to the virus and those whose sources of livelihood have been severely constrained by the stringent measures introduced at every level of government to contain the virus and save lives.
“The dedication of our health workers and other essential services staff towards containing this virus is a testament of our courage and resilience as a people and as a great nation, and I use this opportunity to say thank you to all of us for our services to the nation.
“Sustaining our democracy thus far has been a collective struggle, and I congratulate all Nigerians, and particularly leaders of our democratic institutions on their resilience and determination to ensure that Nigeria remains a shining example of democracy in Africa.
“My Nigeria @60 Independence message is for our youths to get involved in the political process through ‘youth policy formation documents’ at all levels to determine the Nigeria of their dreams. Our youths have their place in history to defend the honour and glory of our mother land.
“We need to stand UNITED as a Nation and shun political thuggery and say no to political propaganda that will divide us across ethnic, religion, geographical demography and cultural hegemony.
“I see a brighter future ahead.
“Let’s ask our leaders the real questions and in doing so, we should be objective and show love towards one and another. We are one big family and we don’t need to hate ourselves instead, we should work together to build a strong Nation.
“Happy 60th Independence anniversary to NIGERIA”.
