Shettima: We Must Choose Unity over Chaos, Democracy over Anarchy for Dream Nigeria

*Seeks peoples’ collaboration with FG 

*Assures citizens their sacrifices won’t be in vain under Tinubu 

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Vice-President Kashim Shettima, yesterday, declared that the Nigeria desired by all citizens was possible but that the people must realise that their only potent weapon was choosing unity over chaos, and democracy over anarchy.

Shettima, who said this in his address at the 63rd Independence Day anniversary public lecture, however, sought active collaboration of all Nigerians with the Bola Tinubu administration as it works on fulfilling its campaign promises.
The lecture was themed: “Actualising the Vision of Renewed Hope for Socio-economic Development through Effective Leadership”, at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.

According to him, the Tinubu administration was not oblivious of the hurdles on its way towards achieving its campaign promises for Nigerians, but noted that the government’s faith in achieving success had been built on the realisation that Nigerians are never broken by temporary setback.
“We knew from the starting point of this race to serve the people that the track will not be without its holes and ponds. We knew that challenges will arise and obstacles will test our resolve, but as our history has shown, Nigerians are too ambitious to be broken by a temporary setback. We are going to emerge from this phase of our reforms stronger, each of us, with renewed hope.

“As we honour the labours of our heroes past, as we reflect on the values and principles that have bought us this far, as we strive to excel in all that we do, and as we walk together towards a future where opportunity knows no bounds, let’s remember that our most potent weapon is the overriding resolve of the majority to choose unity over chaos and democracy over anarchy,” Shettima said.

The vice-president noted that in the last 63 years of Nigeria’s existence, the driving force of the people had been the realisation that achieving the collective dream and surmounting present challenges required sacrifice from all citizens, especially the leadership, sacrificing with the hope of building a sustainable future for generations to come.

He, however, assured Nigerians that their sacrifices for a thriving nation wouldnot be in vain as the present administration has set administrative models in its Renewed Hope Agenda that would see to developments across sectors, using available resources to achieve national prosperity.  

His words: “Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, the future of a great nation is not determined by the occurrence of their socio-economic challenge. The future of every nation rests on the intention, sincerity and innovative ideas of its leaders and their commitment to implementing them.
“This is why President Bola Tinubu’s eight-point agenda remains an oasis in a scorching sun. We cannot renew the hope of the nation unless we deliver on our promise to drive food security and eradicate poverty.

“We cannot foster economic growth and nurture job creation unless we facilitate access to capital, enhance national security and optimise the business environment for our enterprises. We are going to uphold the rule of law and fight corruption to design the Nigeria of our dream.
“We can’t achieve any of these unless each citizen remains a strategic partner in pursuit of our ultimate national interests. At 63, we recognise that what has sustained us and propelled us forward is our collective belief that overcoming the challenges we have inherited necessitates sacrifices, especially from us, the leaders.

“We are driven by the realisation that these sacrifices are not for nought. They are investments in a brighter future, investments that will redeem the future, the fortune of our great generation and guarantee the wellbeing of generations to come.

“Your Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the present administration also recognises that the sacrifices made by each Nigerian will never be in vain. Such solidarity with the economy revival strategy, from the bustling streets of Lagos to the serene landscapes of Enugu has inspired our focus on diverse sectors, from agriculture to digital technology, from healthcare to education.”

Present at the event were the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr (Mrs) Folashade Esan; Ministers of Information, Mr Mohammed Idris; Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev and their FCT counterpart, Mr Nyesom Wike.

Also there were the Ministers of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu; Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; Solid Minerals Development, Mr Dele Alake; Police Affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam; Steel Development, Mr Shuaibu Audu, and  Transportation, Sa’idu Alkali, among others.
Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as some members of the diplomatic community also attended the lecture.