By Tom Garba, Yola – A group loyal to former vice president Atiku Abubakar, Atiku Support Group (ASG) has urged Nigerians to continue to endure what it described as “the worst economic crisis and social chaos” facing the country, assuring that things would get better in the long run.
The Group said there would be an alignment and re-alignment of forces this year that would change the course of events in the country.
The pro-Atiku group, in a statement by its director general, Mark Wosi, said it appreciated the courage and resilient nature of Nigerians despite the economy recession currently experiencing in the country.
“We appreciate the resilient spirit and persevering heart of all people of this great country. We acknowledge the sacrifices made by all well meaning Nigerians. We admired the unwavering and abiding faith of every patriotic citizens of this country on the project Nigeria.”
Mr. Wosi observed that 2016 was a challenging year for every body in the country.
“We faced one of the worst economic crisis and social chaos ever in the history of Nigeria. The country witnessed a steady rise in inflation, the Exchange rate was at its worst ever high in Nigeria, we saw our local currency which is our pride nose diving against the world dominant currencies.
“The problem of the cattle rustling in the North went hay-wire at the course of the year. The challenge of the Fulani herdsmen and Farmers that touched almost all the states in the federation, the Niger-Delta militia attacks on oil pipelines that almost left the economy prostrate, the persecution of some Principal Officers of the National Assembly which soured the relationship between the Executive and Legislature and slowed down the progress and speed of governance. The Arms deal shenanigans that opened a can of worms and raised a lot of dusts which are still to settle.
“The kidnappings of some prominent Nigerians including students and the subsequent demands for ransom, lost of lives of some Nigerians in the process, the lists goes on and on.
“No doubt, it was a year with many sides, a year with mixed feelings, yet Nigerians were very strong in spirit maintaining a strong will and overcoming mentality. This has gone a long way to keep us more united and resolute on our resolve to build the nation we all crave for.
As we approach the year 2017 in hope of a better life and outcome, let us not waver in our commitment to our fatherland.
“The year 2017 is a very crucial one for us as a people because far-reaching decisions will be made, there will be alignment and re-alignment of forces as we work together to shape Nigeria for the good of all.
The statement, however maintained that Nigerians must seek for those things that unite the country than those things that divide us as a people.
“Our strength lies in our unity. Our diversity in tongue and in culture is a testimony of our uniqueness as a people destined together for greatness. We must work for the peaceful co-existence of all people of this country and ensure harmony among ourselves without allowing any divisive forces and external influences to divide us.
“Abhor all forms of violence, work for the total integration of all opinions and respect the position of everyone without resorting to destructive activities. Let us imbibe the culture of according respect to human dignity and value our individual differences.
“We salute the people of the North east who has never given up despite the activities of the Boko Haram in the area, they chose to love their fatherland and accept their fate while waiting for a better tomorrow to which all of us are working for to make it a reality.” the group added.
It assured that the year 2017 shall be a better year for every one even as all in the country keep on with the struggle to entrench a true and lasting democracy in Nigeria.
