United States President Barack Obama has sent his greetings and that of the American people to Nigerians on the 54th independence anniversary of the country.
In a letter addressed to President Goodluck Jonathan, Obama acknowledged Nigeria's leadership role in Africa and at the United Nations (UN) towards promoting regional peace and stability.
The letter made available by the US Embassy in Abuja read in part: "At the heart of our enduring friendship is our shared commitment to democratic values, the rule of law, and economic development.
"We look forward to strengthening our relationship and working closely in the coming year, especially in promoting good governance and combating terrorism. As Nigerians observe this special day, we wish you a more peaceful and prosperous year." Obama added that the US was looking forward to strengthening its relationship with Nigeria in the coming year, especially on good governance.
In addition to Obama's congratulatory message, Senate President David Mark and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, yesterday urged Nigerians to sustain their faith in Nigeria and remain steadfast in the effort to promote peace and the unity of Nigeria no matter the challenges.
Mark, in a goodwill message to Nigerians to mark today's 54th independence anniversary, said the indivisibility of the nation was not negotiable as he recalled the nation's chequered political history since 1960, during which Nigeria went through a 30-month fratricidal civil war, various ethno-religious conflicts, adding that the crises were surmountable.
He dismissed as untrue the perception in some quarters that Nigeria had not made progress since independence, saying: "Let us cast our minds back a little and see the number of roads, schools, universities, health institutions, telecommunications infrastructure and a host of others.
"We may not have been where we want to be but we have made appreciable progress and we can do more. All we need to do is to strengthen our unity as one people with one mission and purpose.
"A stable democracy has offered us an opportunity to harness our abundant resources for good.
"Nigeria has passed through many challenges in the past and we came out of it. The security challenges; this Boko Haram can be defeated if we unite to fight them. I believe Boko Haram, terrorism or the insurgency is alien to us as a people. We have the capacity to defeat them and confine them to the dustbin of history."
He added: "We cannot correct perceived imbalances by taking up arms against our brothers, sisters and the nation. We must therefore continue to shun individuals or groups that encourage, preach and practise division among our people. We must shun every harbinger of hate and bond together as a people of common interest and destiny.
"As legislators we will continue to do our part to wit; provide the needed legislative framework for the executive arm of government to continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to our people.
"Let me use this occasion to remind our fellow country men and women that as 2015 elections approach, we must not lose sight of the fact that the election should not be seen as war. We must play the game according to the rules."
Source: ThisDay
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