The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, state governors, presidential candidates of the All Progressives Congress and Peoples Democratic Party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar, and lawmakers have congratulated Nigerians as the world celebrates the New Year.
Governors Godwin Obaseki and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Edo and Kwara states, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, former Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Wase, also sent their congratulatory messages, admonishing Nigerians to keep faith with the country.
In separate statements on Saturday, they asked Nigerians to remain committed to a peaceful, united and prosperous Nigeria, noting that in spite of the challenges facing the country, there would be light at the end of the tunnel.
The Senate President commended Nigerians for their support, as he noted that the National Assembly remained unwavering in its commitment to the legislative agenda the members set for themselves in 2019. He also called on Nigerians to participate in the forthcoming elections.
He added, “I am immensely proud that the new Electoral Act has ignited fresh hope in the system and heightened expectations about the forthcoming general elections. The ninth National Assembly will keep providing the necessary legislative interventions for good governance till the end of its tenure in June, 2023. I urge all of us Nigerians to take active part in the electoral process, towards achieving our collective goal of good governance for national prosperity and unity.”
Also, Gbajabiamila in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, urged Nigerians to remain resolute. He said he was optimistic about the opportunities and possibilities that lie ahead. He said 2023 would be significant for Nigerians, being the year that citizens would elect new leaders to pilot the affairs of the country.
Wase in a message by his Chief Press Secretary, Umar Puma, urged Nigerians to have faith in their leaders and continue to pray for them. “I urge you not to despair but to remain patriotic as ever and believe that no matter how difficult things may be, there will be light at the end of the tunnel,” he added.
The Minority Caucus in the House, in a separate statement, urged Nigerians to further unite, brace up and forge a formidable front in the determination to rescue our nation from oppressive forces.
The Minority Leader, Ndudi Elumelu, in a statement on behalf of the minority caucus in the House urged Nigerians to set aside all parochial personal, group, sectional, ethnic and religious sentiments and focus on national interest “and firmly resist all selfish and anti-democratic forces that might attempt to distract or subvert their will in the elections.”
Atiku in his message asked Nigerians not to despair, saying his party was prepared to make things right. “Hope is on the horizon, PDP shall make things right again,” he said.
A statement by the Director, Public Affairs, PDP Presidential Election Campaign Management Committee, Senator Dino Melaye, partly read, “Atiku Abubakar commends the Independent National Electoral Commission for the reforms already designed for the 2023 elections. There should be full implementation of these reforms without fear or favour. Our elections should not be at the mercy of strong men. Every eligible voter should be allowed to cast his vote according to their preferences.”
The Presidential Campaign Council of the APC also urged Nigerians to see the election year as an opportunity to choose good leaders. The spokesperson for the council, Bayo Onanuga, called on citizens to consider voting as a responsibility.
The statement added, “To move from where we are to where we want to be, we need to maximise our resources. 2023 is our chance to make these dreams come true. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu presents the best vision for the future for our collective prosperity with pledges that are practical, immediate, and valuable to our journey towards development.
Saraki, in a statement by the head of his media office, Yusuph Olaniyonu, said despite the security, economic, political and social challenges, “We should all look forward to the bright side of life and the promise that the country’s so much-talked about vast potentials will soon turn to reality. I urge that we do not relent in praying for God’s intervention in the nation’s state of affairs in 2023. I believe we have the opportunity to use 2023 to change the course of our nation for the better.”
AbdulRazaq in a message by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, urged the people to remain committed to building an inclusive state. “As Nigeria inches closer to another general election, the governor appealed to citizens to shun actions or utterances that may jeopardise public peace and safety or put families in danger,” it added.
Obaseki in his message said his administration would sustain ongoing reforms and projects across various sectors. He appreciated the Federal Government and development partners that have continued to stand by the state. “As we begin a New Year, I urge you to join hands with the government in the development of your communities and play your part in Making Edo Great Again,” he added.
Also, Fayemi in a statement by Mallam Ahmad Sajoh of the Fayemi Media Office in Abuja, said, “We should not view differences in political opinions and affiliations as reasons for hatred and discord. We are one people who want the same thing: the greatness of Nigeria. Our understanding and strategies on how to achieve this may differ, but we are ‘one Nigerians.’ We should therefore be tolerant of other people’s choices and preferences. Love should supersede all in 2023.”
Some lawmakers under the aegis of Southern Senators’ Forum also said Nigeria could only witness progress and prosperity if all citizens valued unity and patriotism.
The forum’s chairman and senator representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Opeyemi Bamidele, in a statement stated, “We charge Nigerians to get it right in the New Year by supporting governments to build strong institutions that can stand the test of time and that can put the nation on a faster pace of peace, unity, political emancipation and economic prosperity.”
