The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, has asked Nigerians not to give up on pulling back the country from what he describes as uncertainty to a place of common safety.
The PDP flagbearer stated this in a statement on Saturday to celebrate Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Anniversary.
He said it is rather unfortunate that since the nation’s independence, the country has continued to struggle to manifest the dreams of the nation’s founding fathers.
Atiku noted that even though Nigeria gained her political independence upon the promise of abundant prosperity and the principle of social justice, it was rather sad that her 63rd anniversary comes at a crossroads in many aspects of national life.
He said, “As a nation, we have continued to struggle to manifest the dreams of our founding fathers in upholding the promises of shared prosperity and social justice.
“We have encountered great moments when the flag of our dear country flew tall on the global stage through the industry of our sportsmen and women, the prolific distinction of our academia, and the top-notch artistry of Nigerian talents in the global music scene.”
Atiku said the talents and doggedness of young Nigerians who have refused to give up on the country are the inspiration for a greater future that the nation celebrates.
He acknowledged that the energy of the Nigerian youth is a formidable force in the consternation of manpower and skills that power the global economy.
He said, “That success – the gallantry of our youth – is the primal element of what we celebrate today as a nation.
“Therefore, for me, the challenge before us all is in ensuring that the political leadership in the country that we call home should be worthy of our pride as a people and not of telling embarrassment.
“Our democracy has triumphed so far due to the fidelity of our conviction that a democracy, when properly nurtured, should bring out the best in us and of us.
“As Nigerians, we are all not unfamiliar with the hardships in the economy, security, and other vital aspects of our society.
“While I enjoin us all to submit our strengths in faith to the Almighty God, we must be prepared to do our best to pull the country back from this point of uncertainty to a place of common safety.
