Ambode tasks Nigerians on challenges threatening corporate existence

• Wike blames agitations on impunity
• PFN president, Omobude, canvasses peace, equity for a stronger nation

Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has urged Nigerians to forge ahead in the struggle for an indivisible Nigeria rather than submitting to challenges that are threatening our corporate existence, unity and shared destiny.

Ambode, who spoke yesterday at the 57th National Independence Day Interdenominational Church Service held at Chapel of Christ The Light, Alausa, Ikeja, represented by the Head Of Service, Mrs. Olabowale Ademola, said that the celebration provides an opportunity for sober reflection and a renewed hope for Nigerians to start doing things the right way.

He urged Nigerians to continue to work for the unity of all the ethnic nationalities in the country considering the strength, greatness and abundant opportunity that abound in the nation’s diversity.

“Even as we speak, the fact remains that we are passing through difficult times. It is time to think not only about the kind of nation we desire to bequeath to our children, grandchildren and generations yet unborn, but we must also consciously start to value our nation and strive hard to make it great once again.

“It is time to re-affirm our faith in our nation and believe that the best is around the corner. Whatever difficulties being experienced today must be seen as the sacrifice we need to pay for a more prosperous future,” the governor stated.

Also, Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has warned that ethnic and other agitations will persist except Nigerians experience good governance at the federal level of the country.

Wike, who also spoke during the 57th Independence anniversary church service at Saint Mark’s Anglican Church in Port Harcourt yesterday, said though Rivers State is not part of any agitation for secession from the federation, it will continue to insist that the Federal Government must ensure that every section of the country is treated fairly and that justice should prevail.

He said: “In as much as you continue to have bad governance, people will continue to agitate across the country. We give God the glory that we are still one despite the agitations and challenges. God has blessed this country. We are not part of those who want to secede. Rivers State will never be part of that.”

In another development, the President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Dr. Felix Omobude, has stressed the need to reassess the basis for Nigerian federation, declaring that equity and fairness should be the guiding principle for a more virile nation.

Omobude said this at the weekend while speaking with journalists after a fire conference organised by the Ondo State PFN Chapter held at the International Culture and Event Centre (The Dome) in Akure.

He urged all Nigerians to shun any act that could jeopardise the unity and peace of the country and cautioned those fanning the embers of war and division in the country to desist.

He said: “The PFN believes that we are stronger together. Those calling for war and division must have a rethink. Nigeria cannot afford to go into another civil war. The scars of the last civil war are still with us. So, acrimony and hate-speeches would not do us any good.”

He, therefore, implored the leadership of the country to always be impartial and fair to drive the ship of the country to safety. He also appealed to various agitators to resort to dialogue in solving their grievances.