The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has charged Nigerians to use the
occasion of the nation’s 55th Independence Anniversary to rekindle the
spirit of patriotism, while exhibiting actions that promote democratic
ideals and peaceful co-existence at all levels in the country.
The party said the occasion reminds of Nigeria’s common root and destiny
as well as her resilience and determination to succeed in all spheres of
life as a strong, united and prosperous nation, irrespective of her
challenges.
The PDP, in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Chief
Olisa Metuh on Wednesday, congratulated the citizenry for keeping faith in
the Nigerian project and working together in building a strong nation and
one of the fastest growing economies in the world.
The party however urged Nigerians to use the anniversary to recommit to
respecting their leaders at the local government, state and national
levels, while paying adequate reverence to national symbols and
institutions.
“In this regard, the PDP urges all citizens to have full respect for the
office and person of the symbol of the leadership of our great country,
the President. The President can be constructively criticized, but under
no circumstance should he be abused or insulted in any way and under any
guise whatsoever.
“On this note therefore, we expect those around our dear President to be
cautious and desist from actions and utterances that tend to set him up
for public ridicule”, the party stressed.
The party congratulated the nation for giants strides achieved since
independence, especially within the 16 years under the PDP
led-administration, during which enviable milestones were recorded in
critical sectors of the polity.
It assured that even in opposition, it would continue to ensure that the
country is not dragged back to the dark years of dictatorship by firmly
defending the tenets of democracy and provisions of the constitution.
The party insisted that the feat achieved through the successful conduct
of 2015 general elections and the smooth transition, all resulting from
the democratic disposition of PDP leaders, must be sustained, as the
country cannot afford to degenerate from its globally acclaimed democratic
credentials.
It also commended the military for the success recorded in the fight
against insurgency in the country even as it commiserated with all those
affected by the senseless acts of terrorism and violence. It also charged
those behind the bloodletting to have a rethink and understand that their
actions cannot be justified under any guise.
The leadership of the PDP prayed for abiding peace in the country and
wished the government and people of Nigeria, happy independence
celebrations.