The U.S. Government has congratulated Nigeria on the commemoration of the country’s 57th independence on Oct. 1, 2017.
The U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said in a statement issued on the occasion of the Nigeria National Day that the U.S. has an enduring and mutual partnership with Nigeria.
Tillerson said: “On behalf of the American people, I congratulate the Government of Nigeria and the Nigerian people as you celebrate your national independence on October 1.
“The United States and Nigeria have a strong and enduring partnership that benefits both our nations.
“The U.S.-Nigeria partnership is built on our shared priorities of security, economic prosperity, and good governance; and is strengthened by innovation, trade, and optimism for the future”.
According to him, the United States reaffirms its commitment to support Nigeria in its fight to defeat Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa.
“The United States also reaffirms its commitment to support efforts to help rebuild the lives of the millions affected by the violence and to provide a better future for all Nigerians.
“We offer our best wishes to the people of Nigeria in your commemoration of the 57th anniversary of your independence,” the Secretary of State said.
Parties Felicitate With Nigerians
Meanwhile, in a statement issued by on Saturday by its National Chairman, Alhaji Ismail Ayodele ahead of the Independence Day, , Alliance for Democracy (AD) advised government at all levels to ensure that their actions and policies were in the national interest.
It said that this would help address all issues of agitation for restructuring in the country.
“National interest should be the cornerstone of all government policies and actions.
“This is the only way Nigerians of all ethnic nationalities will have a sense of belonging in the polity.
“It will also end various agitations for restructuring, self-determination and secession.”
It urged Nigerians to use the occasion to reflect on the vision of the country’s founding fathers.
“We should imbibe the spirit of love, peace, unity, equity, social justice and patriotism as we collectively redirect the ship of the Nigeria state to the path of rectitude and advancement.”
In its Independence Anniversary message released on Sunday, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, called on Nigerians to use the occasion to “reflect deeply on the pillars that brought us together and work for the growth, unity and stability of our dear country for general good.”
It similarly appealed to government at all levels, including traditional, religious, political and opinion leaders, to continue working got the unity, peace and progress of the country.
“There is no country we can call our won except the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the party said.
