Independence: There is hunger in the land, says Ekweremadu

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has called for sober reflection as Nigeria marks its independence anniversary, saying there is the need to return to the path of true federalism as envisioned by the founding fathers in order for the country to move forward.

Ekweremadu, while stressing the need for justice, peace and unity, urged the Federal Government to mobilise “all capable hands” to salvage the nation’s ailing economy as there was hunger in the land.

Ekweremadu stated these in his 56th Independence Anniversary message to Nigerians, according to a statement by the Special Adviser to the Deputy President of the Senate on Media, Uche Anichukwu, on Friday.

He said, “This 56th Independence Anniversary calls for sober reflection.  No people can make progress unless they retrace their steps back to where the rain started beating them. Nigeria, at formation, had a building plan, which was based on true federalism as covenanted by our founding fathers at various conferences leading up to independence.

“For as long as we followed that plan, we prospered. But, once we discarded the building plan, dissembled the inherited structures and legacies and began to undermine the fabrics of equity, justice, balance, healthy competition and economic prosperity that was ingrained therein, we charted our route to the current perdition.”

Ekweremadu, however, assured Nigerians that the country would bounce back faster if immediate steps were taken to unite the nation, getting the best hands on the deck, irrespective of wherever they are found.