By Saidu Idris
365Daily– As Nigeria prepares to enter its 61st year, former Governor of Enugu State and senator representing Enugu East Senatorial District in the Senate, Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani, has expressed optimism that a Nigeria where every citizen feels a sense of brotherhood is feasible.
However, he said this can only be possible if justice, equity and fairness to all become the cardinal principles and hallmarks of governance in the country.
Sen. Nnamani said this in a goodwill message to mark Nigeria’s 61st Independence Day.
He posited that the uncertainties in the socio-economic and political life of Nigeria, agitations in some quarters, as well as violent crimes in parts of the country could be curtailed if citizens were given a sense of belonging and accommodation in the Nigerian equation.
He noted: “Agitations by some ethnic nationalities are traceable to the inequalities and exclusiveness in the scheme of things.
“We need to review our approach with a view to fashioning out a workable solution to the intractable crises.”
He continued: “It does not require rocket science to address challenges facing the nation but a simple and honest application of administrative and psychological strategies to address the vexed issues of marginalization, inequality, impunity and disregard for the rule of law.”
The Senator added that the notion that Nigeria is a complex society to administer is false, pointing out that those who resort to our emotional fault lines of ethnicity, tribe or religion to gain advantage over others are only myopic or incompetent.
The former governor added that Nigerians are ordinarily peace loving people but the greed and inequality perpetuated by a privileged few create the anxiety and insecurity in the system .
He believes that Nigeria can be redeemed from the present state of uncertainties if leaders at all levels show the light through adherence to the principle of the rule of law , equity and justice for all irrespective of status in the society.
Senator Nnamani also told citizens to play their parts in the determined efforts to build a new Nigeria that would be home for all irrespective of tribe, ethnicity or religious leanings .
In the quest for a new Nigeria, he said every one must carry the cross to be his brothers keeper saying “we must continue to have demonstrate patriotism and unwavering commitment to the ideals of nationhood in the years ahead.”
Senator (Dr) Chimaroke Nnamani MD, FACOG, Chairman, Senate Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa/ NEPAD.