Tinubu: Our independence anniversary an opportunity to demand a better nation 

Bola Tinubu, presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says Nigerians should not undermine national purpose in pursuit of narrow gain.

In a statement on Saturday, Tinubu said Nigeria’s independence anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on how the nation has progressed and how it can become a better nation.

The APC presidential candidate asked the citizens to commit themselves to the unity of the country.

“Today, we mark our independence as a nation. On this day 62 years ago, we set forth to determine our own way, to shape our own destiny,” Tinubu said.

“This anniversary of our independence offers us the opportunity to take stock of how far we have come as a nation and how far we must go to achieve a better nation.

“On this Independence Day, let us commit ourselves to Nigeria’s unity as well as to our collective improvement. In unity, we must see each other as brothers and sisters regardless of our ethnic, religious or regional diversity.

“In seeking national improvement, we must join hands in growing the economy, creating jobs, feeding the hungry, educating our youth, caring for the sick and protecting our people and their way of life from evil and misguided foes who seek to destroy all that is good.

“May we all seek the best for Nigeria regardless of partisan affiliation and may we never undermine the national purpose in pursuit of narrow gain.”

Ahead of the 2023 general election, Tinubu urged Nigerians to shun violence.

“As the nation heads toward the coming election, may we all eschew violence and recourse to divisive, incendiary politics that pull against the fabric of national unity and concord,” he said.

“Thus, on this occasion of Nigeria’s 62nd Independence Day, I congratulate all Nigerians everywhere. I wish you all a memorable celebration of both peace and unity.”