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Democracy Day: Mixed Reactions Greet Sectoral Dev
As Nigeria marks the 2015 edition of Democracy Day, a cross section of Nigerians have expressed their views on Democratic Governance in the country in general and Rivers State in particular.
While most of them are happy over the achievements recorded so far in terms of development in the various sectors of the economy, others expressed disappointment and dissatisfaction with the performance of Nigerian leaders in the delivery of democratic dividends to the people.
For Mr. Benneth Igia, a Political analyst, ‘Nigeria as a country has groaned under corrupt leadership over the years, and this has resulted into stunted development in education, health, agriculture utilities and social infrastructure.
“Nigeria has no reason to be poor because of the enormous natural and human resources we have, but poor leadership has kept us where we are”.
The socio-political analyst and social commentator, said, “Rivers State, as the Treasure Base of the Nation, does not also reflect that identity in terms of development.
“The political leadership in the state has equally been swayed by distractions and infighting that disrupted genuine economic growth in the state, he said.
In his views, Mr. Patrick Court, a civil servant, thanked God for keeping Nigeria as a united, indivisible country, despite all the predictions that the country will break up.
‘I am very happy that Nigeria remains one country despite all the fears that the country may disintegrate in 2015. I am happy over the outcome of the 2015 general elections, and I particularly commend President Goodluck Jonathan for conceding defeat. My advice to our political leaders is to concentrate on provision of social services for Nigerians, diversify the economy through agriculture and create jobs for the teeming youth in the country”, Court said.
Akanimo Udosen, a Commercial motorist also commented on the state of the Nigerian economy and that of Rivers State.
“To me, the politicians have failed us, they do not care about the poor people, and they steal all the government money for themselves and their children, and leave the people to suffer.
“We cannot buy common fuel that is produced in Nigeria, and some of us, taxi drivers, are out of business, there is hunger everywhere, civil servants are not paid”, he said.
“I want the government to do something about all these pains, the common man has lost trust in our political leaders”, Udosen added.
Another commercial motorists, Mr. James Atausi, said governments at both the Federal and state levels have not done well for the people, especially in the provision of power supply.
He said there has been no improvement in power supply despite the promises made by governments to improve power.
Atausi was also concerned about growing insecurity in the country.
“We want the government to address the issue of insecurity in the land. Boko Haram has been killing Nigerians, and the government has not done enough to stop them; most people are leaving Nigeria for fear of being killed,” he added.
Elijah Tomii, a hotelier, said cost of living in the country is very high, and that most Nigerians cannot afford to make ends meet.
He said the governments at the national and state levels should invest in agriculture and engage rural farmers in more productive agricultural activities to boost food sufficiency in the country.
Taneh Beemene
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
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