Nigeria At 61: Let’s Reflect On Our Existence As A Nation – Shina Peller

A member of the House of Representatives from Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa Federal Constituency, Oyo State, Hon. Shina Peller has called on Nigerians to reflect deeply on the country’s existence as a sovereign nation with a view to correcting the wrong and making the country better.

Hon. Peller made this call on Friday 1st October 2021 in his goodwill message to Nigerians on the occasion of the country’s 61st Independence anniversary.

In his message, Hon. Peller reminded all that Nigeria’s strength lies in her unity in diversity and that for the country to progress appropriately, there is need for all to embrace love, unity and peace which he said can be achieved if everyone is fair in his/her dealings with fellow compatriots irrespective of ethnic, religious or political affiliation.

The statement read:

“I join well meaning Nigerians home and abroad in observing Nigeria’s 61st Independence Anniversary.

“Fellow compatriots, as we celebrate a new independence year, we should know that every October 1 presents to us an opportunity to reflect deeply on our existence as a sovereign nation, identify our weaknesses and strengths with a view to leveraging on our unity in diversity.

“Though at 61 as a sovereign country, Nigeria is still confronted with a lot of challenges such as insecurity, economic instability, infrastructural deficiency among other societal ills, we can still get things right with the right mindset and collective efforts devoid of selfishness, tribalism, religious violence and destructive politicking.

“Importantly, we must know that where there is no love, peace and unity, there can never be meaningful progress, hence the need for us to love one another, embrace peace and unity irrespective of our political, ethnic or religious differences. In achieving this, we also need to be fair in our dealings with one another; no region or ethic group should be considered inferior to others, rather we should give equal right and sense of belonging to everyone especially in our political arrangements.

“Looking back to 1st October 1960 when Nigeria got her independence, most of the people at the helm of the country’s affairs back then were young Nigerians whose interest and willingness to get involved in politics made it possible for them to assume leadership positions at youthful age. So, the current generation of youths should consider this as a challenge and get involved in the socio-political processes right from our various immediate communities.

“And like I always say, the best way to achieve this is for youths to register as members of political parties so that we can decide who become candidates of these parties in the general elections. Also, it is very important that we register to get our PVCs so that we can vote in our preferred candidates when the time comes.

“Once again, as we mark Nigeria’s 61st Independence anniversary, I enjoin fellow compatriots to live, act and work together peacefully in the overall interest of our country. Nigeria will be great again.”