Dr Bolaji Akinyemi, the convener of Naija PVC has called for nation-building where no one is oppressed as stated in Nigeria’s national anthem.
Akinyemi made the call during a special thanksgiving service in Lagos to pray for the nation and her citizens in celebration of her 66th anniversary as a nation.
He warned that the future of the nation’s democracy cannot be left for the political class alone.
‘Citizens must become knowledgeable, organised and actively engaged in the political process,” he added.
He said that Nigerians need to thank God for preserving the nation, but noted that thanksgiving must not become an excuse for celebrating underperformance.
“Let our thanksgiving be accompanied by repentance, responsibility and a renewed covenant between government and citizens.
“What have the political leaders and elites achieved, what measurable difference has their stewardship made in the lives of the people entrusted to them?
”Democracy must move beyond elections and political celebration to where citizens can measure government by security, education, healthcare, jobs, infrastructure, justice and the quality of life,” he advised.
Akinyemi stressed that Nigeria does not need another generation of citizens who merel6y complain, nor another generation of leaders who merely celebrate power.
“We need citizens who understand their responsibility and leaders who understand that public office is a trust, not a trophy.
“At 66, our prayer should therefore be more than “God bless Nigeria.
”Nigeria has just marked 66 years of independence, and we must be honest about the state of the nation.
“Insecurity, unemployment, poverty, failing infrastructure and declining public confidence cannot be wished away by anniversary celebrations,” he added.
He said he remained hopeful because Nigeria’s problem is not the absence of possibilities; it is the failure to consistently convert the possibilities into measurable performance.
Reacting to the reported invasion of community streets by the Lagos State Task Force to seize motorcycles used by residents, he advised that law enforcement must operate within the law.
”Government has the responsibility to regulate transportation, enforce traffic laws and protect public safety, but enforcement cannot become an excuse for intimidation, indiscriminate seizure or the violation of citizens’ rights.
”Where motorcycles are prohibited, the government should clearly define the applicable law, communicate it to residents and enforce it transparently, proportionately and accountably.
“A lawful government must not only enforce the law; it must itself obey the law.
He prayed to God to give both leaders and citizens the courage to do their part.
