President of the Senate, Senator David Mark has saluted Nigerians for their perseverance, resilience and total commitment to the ideals of nationhood inspite of the daunting challenges facing our nation today.
Senator Mark in a New Year message to Nigerians praised the indomitable spirit of the citizens and urged them to continue to work assiduously for the peace and unity of our country.
He noted that Nigeria remains one of the best nations in the world, “because I do not know of any other country that is so blessed with human and natural resources. All we need do therefore is to honestly harness these resources for the good of all”.
The Security, Socio-Political and economic challenges, Senator Mark said are not insurmountable pointing out that other developed nations of the world at various times passed through such difficulties.
“The only difference is that the people themselves resolved to identify the problem and proffered a common solution, this is what we need in our own case, to reason together like one people and to solve our problems like one people”, the Senate President maintained.
Senator Mark counseled the political class against overheating the already charged polity through their actions, inactions as well as utterances saying that no matter the level of anger in a man’s mind he should respect the rules of the game and rights of another.
“For me, I crave for a country where every citizen is a stakeholder, where there is justice, peace, equal opportunities and where no one is oppressed or marginalized. Afterall, God did not make mistake in keeping us together”, he stressed.
The President of the Senate reminded Nigerians of the nation’s political history noting that ” since we got it right in 1999, we must not in any way do anything that would take the nation back to the dark days again”.
The National Assembly, he assured, will always be guided by the wishes and aspirations of Nigerians in our legislation, assuring that whatever affect the welfare and wellbeing of Nigerians will continue to be our interest and concern.
Recalling that the 2014 appropriation bill was laid just before our Christmas Recess, he promised that the National Assembly would ensure its speedy passage to ensure that its set goals are attained.
Senator Mark promised that the National Assembly would synergized and cooperate with other arms of government in service delivery by carrying out its oversight duties.
Tambuwal Commends Yobe,Security Agencies
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has commended the government and people of Yobe State for the peaceful and credible manner in which the recent Local Government election held in the state.
In a New Year message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Malam Imam Imam, Tambuwal said despite the prevailing security situation, and the State of Emergency, Yobe voters turned out en masse to exercise their franchise.
“The lesson in what happened in Yobe State should not be lost on all of us. Despite the security situation in the state, and operating under the State of Emergency, the Yobe State Independent Electoral Commission (YSIEC) proved doubters wrong by conducting an election which was peaceful and whose outcome was credible.
“The determination of the government and people of Yobe State to have democratic structures at the grassroots level played a huge part in ensuring the success of the exercise. It should not be lost on all of us that when all hands are on deck, and with sincerity of purpose, we can achieve success together.
“I commend the security agencies, the government and people of Yobe State for setting an example worthy of emulation,” the Speaker said.
Tambuwal tasked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to get its acts together and prepare well for the 2015 polls.
While urging Nigerians to remain positive about their country in the New Year, Tambuwal prayed to God for a prosperous and peaceful 2014 for Nigeria and Nigerians.
Expect brighter days in 2014 – Oshiomhole
Governor Adams Oshiomhole has urged the people of Edo state to look to brighter days ahead in the Year 2014.
In a New Year message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Peter Okhiria, the Governor said the outgoing year was one of peace, stability and tremendous progress in the socio-economic life of the state.
The Governor said: “I congratulate the good people of Edo State, and indeed the entire people of Nigeria for seeing yet another year. For us in Edo State, the outgoing year was generally peaceful and marked by growth in all sectors of the economic life of the state.
“As we enter into the New Year, I urge the people of Edo State to look forward to brighter days ahead. In addition to sustaining our efforts at developing and renewing infrastructure in the state, government has also beamed its focus on expanding the economy of the state; increasing the Gross Domestic Product and creating wealth. We expect our efforts to start yielding positive fruits in the New Year.
“I assure you that this administration will remain focused in its avowed commitment to make a difference in the state and position Edo as the focal point and cynosure of all eyes in the country.
“I appeal to our people to remain vigilant in the New Year to ensure that evildoers are not given a free hand to operate in our state.
“I salute the good people of the state: our royal fathers, the professional groups, civil servants, student bodies, civil society groups, market women and the ordinary people in the streets for standing by this administration in the outgoing year.
“I also commend the Christian and Muslim communities, including people of other faith in the state for their prayers and for their peaceful and brotherly coexistence.
“I recognize the contributions of the security agencies in the maintenance of peace and security in the state in the outgoing year.
“As we march together into the New Year 2014, I again count on the goodwill and support of all Edo sons and daughters in making our state a model for others to emulate.
“I wish you a happy and bountiful New Year and pray for God’s peace on you and your family.
First Lady Urges Women To Re-Dedicate Themselves To Improved Nigeria
As the year 2013 ends and 2014 begins, the First Lady, Dame Patience Faka Jonathan has urged Nigerians, particularly the women, to pray for peace and progressive development of the country.
In her New Year message, the First Lady asks Nigerian women to further put to the benefit of the nation, those virtues of intellect, determination, resilience, hardwork, and care which are the hallmark of the Nigerian woman.
Dame Patience Jonathan further advises Nigerian women to use the New Year to strengthen their family bonds, adding that once the family is united and at peace, the society generally will enjoy peace and progress.
She prays that 2014 will be a year of peace, prosperity, development and many good things in Nigeria.
The First Lady restates her devotion to the socio-economic well being of the people, particularly the women, indigent and the vulnerable, assuring that her NGOs, will continue to initiate programmes that will make women at all levels, aware of their human rights and obligations as citizens of Nigeria.
Dame Patience Jonathan seeks the support and partnership of the Nigerian women for the rebirth and transformation of a new and improved Nigeria in 2014.
The First Lady wishes all Nigerians a Happy, Prosperous and a fulfilling New Year.
