Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that the nation is
sinking irreversibly down the abyss, stressing that only a united front
will salvage the country and set it on the path of growth.
The governor regretted that either by commission or omission the Federal
Government has dragged the country into its worst economic crisis where
Nigerians find it difficult to feed.
In his special independence address during the 56thIndependence
Celebration at the Sharks Stadium in Port Harcourt on Saturday, lamented
that ordinary Nigerians are dying daily from ailments that are ordinarily
curable.
The governor declared: “Just look at the situation of our country at this
material time. Never in history has the seeds of disunity, distrust,
hatred; intolerance, violence, and terrorism proliferated in our country
than now, not even in the years of the civil war.
“By acts of omission or commission, the federal government has pushed the
nation into its worst economic nightmare. With inflation on the loose,
poverty is increasing as ordinary Nigerians are finding it difficult to
have one decent meal in a day. Families are loosing loved ones to curable
ailments simply because they can no longer afford necessary medications to
sustain their health and vitality.
“Worse still, just as our collective security is being threatened by the
activities of motley terrorist groups, such as the Boko Haram insurgents
and Fulani herdsmen, most Nigerians are increasingly becoming
disillusioned with the country’s failing national institutions, for their
inability to mirror the nation’s character and values.”
He added: “ It looks as if the country is sinking irreversibly into the
abyss, but I this is what happens when a country is economically weak and
dependent. The need therefore, for all of us to work together with the
three levels of Government, to deliver real and sustainable economic
independence to our country and our people remains the greatest challenge
before all of us.”
Governor Wike said that the earlier the thorny issues affecting the nation
are addressed, the better for the development of the country.
He noted that the people of Rivers State are proud of their contributions
to the development and economic growth of Nigeria, pointing out that they
deserve to be rewarded according to their inputs to the sustenance of the
country.
“As Rivers people we are proud of our contributions to the unity and
progress of the Nigerian nation. We remain committed to preserving the
unity and indivisibility of Nigeria. All that we ask in return for our
loyalty and commitment is justice, mutual respect and just recompenses for
our contributions and sacrifices to the economic and social wellbeing of
the country”, Governor Wike said.
He explained that the Rivers State Government through policies and
programmes has empowered the people and improved their living condition.
Governor Wike said: “As a deliberate social policy, we concentrated more
resources to improve physical and socio-economic infrastructure in the
State. Accordingly, apart from several major roads that we have already
completed and commissioned, work on all ongoing road projects spread is
progressing very well”.
He pointed out that projects in the area of infrastructure, health and
education have improved the living conditions of the people of Rivers
State.
The 56th Independence Anniversary witnessed March pass by the police,
paramilitary voluntary organisations and schools.
Governor Wike also released the white pigeons signifying peace.