Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, Vice President of the Apex-Igbo Association, Ohaneze Ndigbo, has called on all levels of government to rebuild the security of the nation beyond its present state.
Okeke-Ogene said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who sampled views of stakeholders as the nation marked 61 years via telephone calls on Friday in Awka.
He said that Nigeria has never had three years of peaceful co-existence since Independence as records of killings keep rising on a daily basis.
Okeke-Ogene said that Nigeria as a nation still yearns for good leadership, the moment we get quality leadership peace and development will naturally exist.
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“Nigeria needs a leader who will accommodate all the ethnic groups of the nation, during Shagari and YarAdua, we had relative peace, so Nigerians should pray for a good leadership,” he said.
He called on all citizens to join hands with the governments to rebuild the security architecture of the nation which the country’s founding father labored for.
Okeke-Ogene said that present security network of the country has marred all efforts of the founding fathers, saying that every hand must be on deck to get back the country on a safe pedestal.
“A help could come by way of factional and quality information to the security operatives, reporting any suspicious movements, reporting security personnel with questionable character.
He commended the leadership of the country on its efforts to give good health care to its citizens and shield them from dying of COVID-19.
“There was a huge improvement on the side of government to fight the spread of the virus in the country.
“A more committed efforts should be given to all sectors of the economy to entrench even growth and development of the nation.
Chief Chris Eluemunoh, former President General of Nkwelle-Ezunanka and state president, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, urged the Federal Government to implement the decisions of the national CONFAB.
Elumunoh said that the implementation of the constitutional conference resolutions will push the country away from its present agitations to a point of peace.
Chief Godwin Okafor, an industrialist, said that all citizens must see Nigeria’s development as a country’s project so that it would move forward in its industrial enterprise.
Okafor said that the country has made a significant growth and development in its 61 years but hoped for improvement in areas of power and roads, amongst others.
He said that Nigerians needs to have an attitudinal change in all aspect of life and suggested that agencies meant for orientating the public mind set need to be more equipped for effective sensitisation and enlightenment.
Okafor said that the electoral process needs to be touched and reshaped in a manner that politicians and their supporters would play politics of maturity devoid of rancour, not a do or die affair.
He advised the electoral umpire to play by the rule and introduce new technology in its operations, to ensure free, fair and credible elections in the country.
Okafor said that people must be allowed to make their choices at the poll without fear or biases so the country in general will grow and develop its economic sector.
NAN reports that Federal government declared Friday, October 1 , as a public holiday to commemorate the day but there was no celebration of any sought in Anambra.
NAN reports that Anambra government had planned to hold the celebration at a well decorated venue with Nigeria’s colours.
However, the governor, Chief Willie Obiano, did not take salute to acknowledge the march past by groups as schools, trade and labour unions and others failed to show up for the event.
The state was only guarded by security personnel while the residents stayed back home to obey the sit-at-home directives by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). (NAN)