Nigeria @ 64: Time for serious introspection – David Mark

As Nigeria marks its 64th independence anniversary, former president of the Senate, David Mark has taken stock of Nigeria’s antecedents and submitted that time has come for sober reflection.

A statement by the former senate president’s Media Adviser Paul Mumeh in Kano on Tuesday indicated that Mark called for the sober reflection in a goodwill message to Nigerians.

The statement said Mark reflected on the country’s journey so far and noted that in spite of the challenges of insecurity, poverty, disease, and general underdevelopment, Nigeria “is endowed with human and natural resources capable of turning the country’s fortunes around for good.”

The statement quoted Mark as saying “this is achievable if all citizens are patriotic and united with a common mission and purpose.

“Disappointing as the situation may seem, the shortcomings of the past should serve as useful lessons for progress.

“We must learn from our past mistakes and work towards a better future.”

He recalled the 30-month-old fratricidal civil war, occasional ethno-religious conflicts, and the uncertainties surrounding political engagements, saying that all these issues are traceable to inadequacies of leadership and citizens failure.

He then cautioned against divisive tendencies and inflammatory statements in recent times that tends to exacerbate the already fragmented atmosphere.

“Those who exploit our fault lines of ethnicity and religious differences to promote hatred are enemies of the country,” he said.

He said in spite of the challenges, “Nigeria has made progress in some areas. Although we are not yet where we should be, we are certainly better than yester years.

“This should serve as motivation for us to continue working toward a better Nigeria.”

The former Senate President emphasised that political leaders should lead by example and strive to put the citizens at the centre of their programmes and policies.

He urged Nigerian leaders to prioritise the needs and welfare of the people.

He expressed optimism that Nigeria can overcome its current challenges if all Nigerians can “unite and work together to address our challenges.”

Mark advocated huge investment in enterprises and production that would create streams of income and end capital flight.

“We need to create an environment where everyone can ply his or her trade in any part of the country without fear of intimidation or molestation.

“We need to be our brother’s keeper at all times. I wish Nigerians a prosperous nation,” he added.