BY EDMOND ODOK – The Forum of Southern Senators has challenged Nigerians to make the right choices in the 2023 general elections as part of their contribution to the building of a progressive nation.
According to the Forum, Nigeria can only witness progress and prosperity if all citizens value unity and patriotism while shunning divisive tendencies in their daily actions
The lawmakers noted the need for all citizens to work on forging the bond of national unity and ensure it is strong enough to overcome the cankerworms of corruption, insecurity, and economic deprivation in the new year.
In a statement to mark the new year festivities in Abuja, the Forum’s Chairman and Senator representing Ekiti Central, Opeyemi Bamidele, urged religious and political leaders to avoid making inflammatory comments that can further widen the existing cleavages and stoke the fire of disunity that has been seriously tearing the country apart.
Senator Bamidele said the country was brought together through God’s design without the input of any mortal and urged Nigerians to guard the country’s unity jealously.
While wishing Nigerians a prosperous new year, Senator Bamidele said; “We thank God for giving us the opportunity to see the new year as it is neither by might nor by our own strength, but by the help of Almighty God because nobody can receive anything except it has been given by God.
“I want to use this opportunity to appeal to our community and religious leaders to continue to preach the message of peace among all Nigerians because a nation can’t progress or prosper unless there is unity among tribes and religious organizations.
“We must know that a peaceful and united nation is a bedrock and fertile ground for progress and prosperity to be attained and sustained. With that spirit of unity and patriotism, we believe citizens can get it right by voting their conscience in any election without external influence and inducement.”
Calling on Nigerians to be well-meaning and patriotic in their actions at all times, the Southern Senators said; “We charge Nigerians to get it right in the new year by supporting the government to build strong institutions that can stand the test of time and put the nation on a faster pace of peace, unity, political emancipation, and economic prosperity.”
