By Ewache Ajefu/Editor
The ruling Peoples Democratic Party has said that for the nation to win the battle against various ills that retard her growth, there must be a complete change of attitude among Nigerians, stressing that leaders and the led must seek the face of God.
In a goodwill message to mark the new year, the PDP through its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh lamented dwindling patriotism among Nigerians, stating that the major pre-occupation of the Party in 2013 will be to engender positive attitudinal change among the people. It therefore urged the leaders of the Party at all levels to brace up for the challenge.
” Our vote for attitudinal change in 2013 is informed by the simple fact the commonest denominator of the systemic challenges facing our national growth is the dwindling fervor of patriotism on which our founding fathers laid the foundation of our dear nation. The adverse implications of this have been manifest in various ills that retard our movement to greatness.”
” As the party entrusted with the mandate of the people, the onus is on us to show the light so that the way will be made perfectly clear to them. All our members elected and appointed into positions of authority at all levels now have a double responsibility of meeting up with the performance target we have already set as well as lead the way, with exemplary conduct, in this course of value change.”
The party argued that the twin evils of corruption and insecurity which inflicted the deepest cut on the memory of Nigerians in the year ended could be overcome with the relegation of warped values by the people.
” Are we referring to corruption, terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery, tribalism, religious intolerance, nepotism and what have you- the solution lies in the change of attitude among Nigerians. We must return to the path of patriotism and those in authority must lead the way.”
The Party further warned that achieving this change is not a cause for the President alone as it demands the collective efforts of all Nigerians.
” Elected leaders at all levels, those in appointments, the civil servants , those in security agencies, the clergy, the clerics, traditional rulers, contractors, artisans, market men and women among others must join hands in this struggle. We must place the nation first.”
It further said ” the PDP cannot pretend that our mission to transform Nigeria will bear the desired result without achieving this necessary change of attitude. Fixing decayed infrastructures of roads, power, energy and aviation; in agriculture, health, education, security among others cannot succeed if they are sabotaged by fading patriotism resulting from warped attitude and values.”
The party warned further that ” failure on the part of all of us to turn to God, imbibe the right attitude means prolonged inability to achieve set national goals. Those in authority might think it is for the masses alone to suffer but examples abound that every leader must in one way or the other account for misdeeds and every opportunity abused.”
While commending Nigerians for their support for the party and for their resolve to live together in peace despite several challenges in 2012, it assured that the PDP will not relent in seeking ways to improve the lots of the people.
