youthe Senate President Ahmad Lawan, House Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, state governors, All Progressives Congress and Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidates Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar, and lawmakers congratulated Nigerians as the world celebrates the New Year. .
Governors Godwin Obaseki and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Edo and Kwara States, former Senate Speaker Bukola Saraki, former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi and House Vice President Ahmed Wase also sent congratulatory messages, urging Nigerians to keep faith in the country.
In separate statements on Saturday, they called on Nigerians to remain committed to a peaceful, united and prosperous Nigeria, noting that despite the challenges facing the country, there will be light at the end of the tunnel.
The president of the Senate praised Nigerians for their support, noting that the National Assembly remained steadfast in its commitment to the legislative agenda that members set for themselves in 2019. He also urged Nigerians to participate in the upcoming elections.
He added: “I am immensely proud that the new Electoral Law has ignited new hope in the system and raised expectations about the upcoming general elections. The 9th National Assembly will continue to provide the necessary legislative interventions for good governance until the end of its term in June 2023. I urge all Nigerians to actively participate in the electoral process, to achieve our collective goal of good governance for national prosperity and Unit.”
Furthermore, Gbajabiamila in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, urged Nigerians to stand firm. He said that he was optimistic about the opportunities and possibilities that lie ahead. He said that 2023 would be significant for Nigerians, being the year when citizens would elect new leaders to run the country’s affairs.
Wase in a message from 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 always and believe that no matter how difficult things may be, there will be light at the end of the tunnel,” he added.
The House Minority Caucus, in a separate statement, urged Nigerians to come together more, become stronger and forge a formidable front in determination to rescue our nation from oppressive forces.
Minority Leader Ndudi Elumelu, in a statement on behalf of the House minority caucus, urged Nigerians to put aside all personal, group, sectional, ethnic and religious parochial sentiments and focus on the national interest. “and firmly resist all selfish and anti-democratic forces that may try to distract or subvert their will in the elections.”
Atiku in his message called on Nigerians not to despair and said that his party was prepared to make things right. “Hope is on the horizon, the PDP will get things right again,” he said.
A statement by the Director of Public Affairs of the PDP Presidential Election Campaign Management Committee, Senator Dino Melaye, read in part: “Atiku Abubakar congratulates the Independent National Electoral Commission on the reforms already designed for the 2023 elections. there be full implementation of these reforms without fear or favoritism. Our elections must not be at the mercy of strong men. Every eligible voter must be able to cast her vote according to his preferences.”
The APC Presidential Campaign Council also urged Nigerians to view the election year as an opportunity to elect good leaders. The council spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, called on citizens to consider voting as a responsibility.
The statement added: “To get from where we are to where we want to be, we need to maximize our resources. 2023 is our chance to make these dreams come true. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu presents the best vision of the future for our collective prosperity with promises that are practical, immediate and valuable to our development journey.
Saraki, in a statement by the head of his media office, Yusuph Olaniyonu, said that despite the security, economic, political and social challenges, “We should all look to the bright side of life and the promise of which so much is spoken in the country. about vast potentials will soon become reality. I urge us not to give up praying for God’s intervention in the nation’s state of affairs in 2023. I believe we have an opportunity to use 2023 to change the course of our nation for the better.”
AbdulRazaq in a message from his chief press secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, urged people to remain committed to building an inclusive state. “As Nigeria moves ever closer to another general election, the Governor called on citizens to avoid actions or statements that could endanger public peace and security or put families at risk,” he added. the.
Obaseki in his message said that his administration would keep ongoing reforms and projects in various sectors. He thanked the Federal Government and development partners that have continued to support the state. “As we enter a New Year, I urge you to join the government in developing your communities and play your part in Making Edo Great Again,” he added.
Furthermore, Fayemi in a statement by Mallam Ahmad Sajoh of Fayemi’s Abuja Media Office, said: “We should not see differences in opinions and political affiliations as grounds for hatred and discord. We are a people who want the same thing: the greatness of Nigeria. Our understanding and strategies on how to achieve this may differ, but we are ‘a Nigerian’. Therefore, we must be tolerant of other people’s choices and preferences. Love should replace everything in 2023.”
Some lawmakers under the auspices of the Southern Senators Forum also said Nigeria could only witness progress and prosperity if all citizens value unity and patriotism.
Forum Chairman and Senator representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District Opeyemi Bamidele said in a statement: “We call on Nigerians to do well in the New Year by supporting governments to build strong institutions that can stand the test of time. of time and may put the nation on a faster pace of peace, unity, political emancipation, and economic prosperity.”
