The Socio-cultural Youth parliament from the Southeastern part of Nigeria, Ndigbo Youth Parliament (NYP), has called on all Nigerians to “put Nigeria first before personal interests as Nigeria is our home”. According to the Independence message of the Honorable Speaker of the parliament, Rt. Hon. Rikki Nwajiofor, sent out to the media houses on Friday morning, ” it is our civic and ultimate responsibility, as citizens, to stand up against the cancerous vices that are choking our beloved nation to untimely death”. He reiterated his strong belief in One and United Nigeria and called on all and sundry to join hands in making Nigeria a better place to be, as he condoled with the families of all those who lost their lives in various degrees of violence that has befallen Nigeria. The complete text reads thus;
“My dearest Compatriots, a nation thrives and develops, in all ramifications, when the citizens are consumed by the spirit of patriotism – when the citizens, the leaders and the led, are eager to put the country first before their personal interests. Patriotism is not an act of verbal proclamations, patriotism consists in actions that are geared towards the good of the nation. “Patriotism consists not in waving the flag, but in striving that our country shall be righteous as well as strong”, opines James Bryce.
Our beloved Nigeria is 61 years today; as we celebrate, may we never forget that “the future of this country lies in our individual hands and not in the hands of our political leaders”. This is because, “in a democracy, the individual enjoys not only the ultimate power but carries the ultimate responsibility”, says Norman Cousins.
“Compatriots, may we constantly remember that some people paid the price of the Independence we enjoy today; may we not fold our arms and watch this beloved nation bleed to death! Yes, it is our civic and ultimate responsibility, as citizens, to stand up against the cancerous vices that are choking our beloved nation to untimely death, such as; corruption in every quarters and facets of the nation, ethnic and religious bigotry cum incitement, hate speech, ethnic and religious profiling, marginalization, fake news, false alarm, voting of incompetent leaders during elections, apathy towards civic responsibilities, nonchalant attitudes of civil servants in government offices, bribery, greed cum avarice of Merchants and Entrepreneurs, to mention but a few.
“Compatriots, if we strive to annihilate and eradicate these aforementioned vices and the likes, Nigeria will be great again! “Where you see wrong or inequality or injustice, speak out, because this is your country. This is your democracy. Make it. Protect it. Pass it on”, says Thurgood Marshall.
“May the love for this beloved nation burn in our hearts! May it constantly echo in our hearts that Nigeria is our home; of all the most beautiful places on earth, home is the best! Though our tribes and tongues may differ, in brotherhood we stand. We are One and One shall we remain.
“May the labours of our Heroes past, never be in vain! May the blood of our martyrs never be a waste! May the Almighty God heal this beloved land and stop it from bleeding further! May the Almighty God comfort the families of all those who lost their beloved ones in the hands of Boko haram terrorists, Bandits, armed Herdsmen, unknown Gunmen and Secessionists; may all those who lost their lives enjoy blissful rest, amen!
“Patriots, stand up and let us repair this beloved nation; change begins with me! Paraphrasing J.F. Kennedy I dare to say, “My fellow Nigerians: “ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”
“I pray that the 2nd stanza of our National anthem be renewed and be made manifest in our lives as Nigerians: “Oh God of creation. Direct our noble cause. Guide our leaders right. Help our Youth the truth to know. In love and honesty to grow, and living just and true. Great lofty heights attain, to build a nation where peace and justice shall reign!”
“One flag, one land, one heart, one hand, one nation evermore!” – Oliver Wendell Holmes.
“God bless Nigeria!
Happy Independence Day, Nigeria!!
I Stand with One and United Nigeria!!!“
