Nigeria @ 59: Group tasks Nigerians on patriotism, honesty
CLO
The Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), a civil society organisation, on Sunday urged Nigerians to be patriotic and honest towards actualising the dreams, hopes and aspirations of Nigeria as a great country.
The Chairman of CLO, Anambra State Chapter, Mr Vincent Ezekwueme, made the call while speaking with the Nigeria News Agency in Enugu on the way forward as the country celebrates her 59th independence anniversary.
Ezekwueme also called on leaders to imbibe patriotism and abandon all selfish tendencies in the desire for the good and development of our country.
“CLO commends and extols the virtues and relentless sacrifices of our founding fathers towards actualisation of our independence and socioeconomic and political development of our country.
“Our leaders must consolidate and improve on the achievements of our founding fathers, so that their patriotic labours would not be in vain.“Nigeria more than ever before needs overarching benevolent leaders with tremendous moral rectitude, authority, patriotism, honesty and selfless service to our country and citizens.
“The aspirations of our founding fathers could only be achieved if our leaders display in words and actions the sincerity of purpose and strong convictions to improve the living condition and social wellbeing of the citizenry,’’ he said.
The CLO boss also urged the citizenry to participate actively in electoral processes, payment of taxes, respect for constitution and constituted authority and making necessary sacrifices for the common good.
According to him, the greatest independence gift Nigerians expect from our leaders is to change politics positively from transactional to transformational and result-oriented.“Rather, they must discomfort themselves in order to comfort the masses and put smiles on their faces.
“It is pertinent and imperative for leaders to ensure socioeconomic and political wellbeing as well as shows love and empathy for our country and its citizenry.`The political class, civil and public servants must as a matter of public interest develop the good motive in servant leadership,’’ he said.
