Nigeria @ 61: Chief Onoja urges Nigerians to keep hope alive, says “Our best is yet to come” »

The Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Chief Edward Onoja, has encouraged Nigerians to keep hope alive in his Independence Day message as the country marks 61 years of political freedom from the control of British colonial masters.

According to him, the country’s best is yet to come and will fully materialize despite the obvious challenges of insecurity, which he identified as one of the major obstacles the country has to surmount.

He acknowledged the efforts of the Buhari-led Federal Government in tackling the insecurity problem, particularly in the past few months in which a concerted effort by the combined forces of the security agencies have produced progress in major flashpoints in the north and other parts of the country.

However, weighing in on the 2023 Presidential race, he maintained that the President’s replacement must possess a sound record on ending insecurity and dislodging criminal groups in entrenched areas where they subject innocent civilians to a life of fear and terror.

He held up the success of his principal, Governor Yahaya Bello, in this regard as a notable example, invariably making the argument that he deserves nationwide support to fulfill his declared ambition of emerging as the country’s next leader.

Chief Edward Onoja also reacted to the secessionist calls made by disenchanted groups in the country, saying that the disaffection can be addressed with inclusive politics and leadership built on a clear agenda to make every constituent part of the country feel a true sense of belonging.

Once again, the Deputy Governor promoted the achievements of his principal, Governor Yahaya Bello, in fostering unity among the diverse ethno-religious groups in Kogi State through strategic policy choices and state investments, which he says proved effective in dissolving divisive sentiments – in stead uniting all members of the states behind an agenda of collective growth and sustainable peace.

Based on these successes, Chief Edward Onoja, made the case for Governor Yahaya Bello’s Presidential bid, although he repeatedly clarified that they do not represent a criticism of the incumbent’s record, whom he says has put in great efforts in the face of changing and complex circumstances.

He finished the message with a charge to Nigerians to keep hope and faith alive in the possibilities of the country, because according to him “the best is yet to come.”