64th independence anniversary: Cross River Governor Advocates Implemention of Enduring Agenda for Political, Economic Emancipation
By Uket Oka, Calabar
The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, has asserted that the long and tortuous journey to independence by the nation’s forefathers can only be justified and appreciated by setting and implementing enduring agenda for the political and economic emancipation of the people.
Governor Otu made stated this in his address at the celebration of Nigeria’s 64th Independence at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar on Tuesday.
He also emphasised that “the object of any government, is the citizenry.”
The Governor explained that the 64th independence anniversary also marks the 110th year of Nigeria’s existence as a nation after the watershed amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates on 1st January, 1914.
Otu, however, noted that the usual fanfare that greets every year’s Independence anniversary should only be regarded as a super structural objective, while the reason substructure is the solemn and conscious appraisal of the post-independence leadership vis-à-vis the political and economic stability and progress of contemporary Nigeria State.
“Today, like every other 1st October, is an occasion to remind ourselves of the patriotic zeal with which we collectively wrestled the country out from the political stronghold of our then Colonial Masters – the Great Britain.
“The fundamental objective of Nigeria’s Independence celebration should be primarily stock-taking and a meticulous assessment of Nigeria’s Independence so far both on the political and economic fronts, has indicated some remarkable progress.,” the Governor said.
Otu further advised that “the eyes of all Nigerians should be on the goal; and not the momentary pains that afflict the body and the stress that assail our mental capacity occasioned by the prevailing economic reforms introduced by the Federal Government.
“Admittedly, the inconveniences are enormous but the expected gains of these reforms far outweigh the pains,” he stated.
The Governor added that, “What is required at this critical time of our nationhood is perseverance; for there is light at the end of the tunnel,” he noted.
Otu explained that “at 64 years, we can confidently admit that Nigeria has come a long way and is steadily progressing as a sovereign and indivisible political entity.”
