The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State has urged Nigerians to embrace unity, tolerance and brotherly love as the country marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
Spokesman of the party, Prince Christopher Odianarewo, on Thursday, said the anniversary provided an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey since independence and reaffirm their commitment to building a better nation.
The Lagos PDP commended Nigerians for what it described as their resilience, courage and determination in the face of economic and social difficulties confronting the country.
It said many citizens were currently grappling with rising living costs, declining purchasing power and other economic pressures, which it attributed to policies of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal and Lagos State governments.
The party, however, said the anniversary should not be defined solely by the challenges facing the country, stressing the need for Nigerians to focus on their shared identity and common destiny.
It called on citizens to promote tolerance, compassion and responsible citizenship, while rejecting hatred, division and attempts to exploit ethnic, religious, regional or political differences.
‘Nigeria belongs to all of us. Our diversity should be a source of strength, not division,’ the party said.
The opposition party also called for a society in which justice, democratic values, economic opportunities, security and human dignity would be accessible to all Nigerians.
It urged citizens to remain peaceful and actively participate in the democratic process, saying the future of the country should be shaped by Nigerians through their voices, participation and constitutional rights.
The Lagos PDP reaffirmed its faith in the Nigerian people and the country’s future, while expressing hope that Nigeria would continue to prosper as ‘one indivisible nation, united in brotherly love and under the guidance of Almighty God.’