Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed, has commended residents of the capital city for their peaceful conduct and demonstration of patriotism throughout the nation’s 51st independence anniversary celebration.
The commendation was contained in a statement by the special assistant on media to the minister, Nosike Ogbuenyi.
The minister reminded the residents that the price of enduring security and peace was eternal vigilance and urged them to continue to support the government, especially in the effort to make FCT and the country, a more secure and peaceful place for living and business.
“The best way to contribute to making Abuja a crime free territory is by all residents reporting all suspicious movements and actions in their neighbourhoods and other locations to appropriate security agencies,” he said.
According to the statement, the minister particularly delighted that despite the evil machinations of a few evil elements including terror groups, the independent anniversary celebration took place seamlessly in the FCT.
He assured that the FCT administration would not relent in its determination to make the entire 8,000 square kilometres of FCT a safe haven for all law-abiding citizens and added that several measures were being taken to boost security in the territory.
Senator Mohammed noted that there was a brighter future for Nigeria, despite some serious challenges confronting the country presently and said the uniqueness of the Nigerian spirit is defined by the fact that it is irrepressible and indestructible.
He described the diversity and resilience of Nigerians as rare attributes and the greatest source of strength of Nigeria, a great force to reckon with, not only on the African continent but globally.
The Minister further hailed Nigeria and Nigerians as uniquely endowed and beautiful, and stressed that despite all her temporary challenges, the country of 150 million citizens had continued to wax stronger.
Senator Bala Mohammed advised all those who still held to the view that Nigeria could be undermined or disunited on the basis of her social and geographical diversities to have a rethink as such varieties were ingredients of strength and colour, rather than weakness.
“It is a mere pipe dream for any person or group, be they Nigerians or non-Nigerians, to assume that Nigeria would fail or be destroyed on account of our diversities. The reality is that Nigeria has come to stay and she is irrepressible and indestructible,” he stressed.
He described President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as an inspired silent achiever whose administration had done a lot to transform the economic, political and social landscape of the country and added that “What is required now is for all patriotic Nigerians irrespective of political or social differences to eschew bitterness and rally round the Goodluck administration as the government brought about by God for the transformation of Nigeria.”