As Nigeria celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Alhaji Abubakar Abdullahi Sokoto, has congratulated Nigerians and called for renewed dedication to the nation’s peace and unity.
Abdullahi described the anniversary as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey as a sovereign nation and an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the sacrifices, courage and patriotism of the nation’s founding fathers and other compatriots who contributed immensely to the unity and development of the country.
He said the nation is faced with numerous challenges and urged citizens to use the period to strengthen their collective resolve to build a peaceful, united and prosperous nation, irrespective of differences in ethnicity, religion, region or political affiliation.
“Our greatest strength remains the resilience, determination and diversity of its people, who have continued to demonstrate an unwavering capacity to overcome challenges and contribute to the progress of the nation.
“Nigerians should continue to promote tolerance, peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and understanding, stressing that national development requires the collective contribution of all citizens,” he said.
Abdullahi listed key achievements of the President Bola Tinubu administration to include diplomatic restraint as ECOWAS Chairman after the Niger Republic coup by choosing dialogue over military intervention on the advice of Ulamas and traditional rulers.
Others were proactive foreign relations to protect Nigeria’s international standing, the Sokoto-Badagry Highway project as an economic catalyst for the North-West, and youth-focused interventions like the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the CNG initiative to lower transportation costs.
He called on governors and other leaders to adopt a pragmatic approach and work with proven grassroots strategists such as Tinubu as a master mobiliser for the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Our primary challenge today is to ensure that the nation obtains peaceful elections and secures a decisive victory come 2027,” he said.
The governorship candidate saluted members of the Armed Forces, other security agencies and all those who have made sacrifices in defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity, peace and security.
“As we commemorate 66 years of our nation’s independence, we should remember that Nigeria belongs to all of us.
“We must continue to strengthen the bonds of unity, uphold the values of peace and patriotism, and contribute our quota towards building the Nigeria of our collective aspirations,” he said.
Abdullahi urged the good people of Sokoto State to reconsider their responsibility of electing credible leaders that would pursue state and national development and ensure continued commitment to peace, unity and development.
He urged the people of Sokoto State to sustain the cherished values of the Sokoto Caliphate, particularly peaceful coexistence, respect for one another and concern for the welfare of society.
He prayed for continued peace, unity and progress of the nation and enjoined citizens to build resilience and support leaders with the interest of the people at heart.
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