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By Madu Obi
A chieftain of the Labour Party, LP, and governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the last election in Anambra State, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo has urged Nigerians not to lose hope on their country despite the monumental challenges starring the people in the face.
In a statement on Wednesday, Ozigbo advised the people to move from being passive observers and parochial tribespeople, to proactive citizens.
He said: "Our nation has recently witnessed episodes that have tried the fabric of our trust in its institutions. The palpable disappointment with the Nigerian Judiciary, the flagrant miscarriages of justice, and the audacious jubilation of those who perpetrate electoral heists are not lost on any of us."
"Yet, amidst these challenges, I urge you not to lose hope, for our collective strength lies in our unity and the power of citizenship."
"While our nation is fraught with leadership and followers challenges, the root issue, one that is unarguably the core problem, is our national identity."
"So, the pressing question before us is: How do we move from being passive observers and parochial tribespeople to proactive citizens?"
"I firmly believe that the transition requires cultivating emotional intelligence, fostering a collective spirit, and establishing mutual respect. It's an ethos of live and let live, understanding that the end of our rights is the beginning of another's."
Ozigbo suggested that institutionally, the country's education should lay the groundwork weaving in values of civic responsibility, adding that it was time to challenge systems that sowed seeds of division.
According to him, there should be a system that ensures equal opportunities for all, irrespective of tribal lineage.
He added: "With the advent of technology, we have a unique opportunity to harness digital platforms for meaningful dialogues and national cohesion."
"We must invest in capacity-building, ensuring every Nigerian has the tools to contribute positively to our nation."
"Equally important is accountability. Our nation craves a system that not only delineates consequences for actions but robustly enforces them. A society without consequences is a dead society."
"As we hope and pray for personal miracles, let us also extend our prayers to our beloved country. The miracle Nigeria needs is a seismic shift in values, a culture that uplifts its people and eradicates the desperation that leads to social decay."
"I pray that this new month ushers in a renewed sense of purpose and dedication for all of us."
"Together, we can and will rebuild our nation, brick by brick, ensuring that every Nigerian not only identifies as a citizen, but acts as one.
"Nigeria's destiny beckons and it is through our united efforts that we will answer that call."
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