The National Publicity Secretary of the Arewa Consultative Forum, Alhaji Muhammad Ibrahim, said in a statement on Saturday that “Nigeria as a nation at 57 is yet to realize its full potentials and deliver on the expectations of its citizens”.
He said “Our founding fathers laid a good foundation for a prosperous Nigeria.
“The instability we witnessed in our polity, especially the military coups and the civil war, have affected and distorted our journey to a developed nation at 57.
He however acknowledged that ‘We cannot ignore the fact that despite the upheavals due to shortcomings, we have been able to sustain the unity and stability of the country.
”We have also recorded and witnessed some progress in many areas that include education, infrastructural development, economy and relative political stability.
“Our 18 years of uninterrupted presidential system of democracy has placed Nigeria as one of the developing economies with high potential for greatness, if properly managed.”
“We should not allow the temporary challenges to redefine our collective destiny or set our national agenda,” it said.
“At 57, Nigerians expect to see more of transparency, prudence, fairness and equity in governance and to feel the dividends of democracy.”
