HOUSE of Representatives' Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal, urged Nigerians to reverse the trend of continuous lamentations over the nation's state of affairs and begin the process of rebuilding it.In a statement to mark the independence anniversary titled 'Time for lamentation is over', the Speaker urged all those who felt aggrieved to embrace peace and focus on issues to promote unity and progress.The statement which was signed by the Chairman of the House Media and Public Affairs Committee, Zakari Mohammed, on behalf of the Speaker reads:'On behalf of the 7th Assembly of the House of Representatives, I, congratulate my fellow compatriots on the occasion of the 51st Independence Anniversary of our country, Nigeria.'In spite of past and present challenges which confront us as a nation, there is a lot to thank God for and to celebrate. I, therefore, wish to use the opportunity which today affords us to urge the good and peace-loving people of Nigeria to look towards the future with great hope, assured that as representatives of the diverse units which make up the Nigerian federation, we shall strive to return our country to the path of moral rectitude, growth and stability'The spectra of lamentations which have been our lot should stop and the process of rebuilding must begin in earnest, starting with a passionate appeal to all those who feel aggrieved to shun violence and other acts capable of promoting disunity. Now, and at all times, we should re-focus and uphold only those virtues and values which promote peace, unity and development in our dear Nation.'As we look ahead towards Nigeria's centennial celebrations, it is time to start erecting those building blocks of development, which would ensure that the country of our dreams is realized. On our part as members of the 7th Assembly House of Representatives, I assure that our conduct will be guided by patriotism and the overall interest of all of us, good people of Nigeria.'In an Independence Anniversary congratulatory message sent to President Goodluck Jonathan, Tambuwal tasked Nigerians on the need to reflect on the ideals of the Independence and re-dedicate themselves to the issues of nation building, stability, peace and unity of purpose as encapsulated in the nation's values.He said: 'As stakeholders in the Nigerian project, we must not allow the heroic efforts of our past leaders in achieving this independence go in vain. It is a task that must be accomplished. It is indeed gratifying that despite several daunting challenges, Nigeria has been able to remain indivisible and uncompromisingly united and therefore we must put all hands on deck to maintain the corporate existence of this great country.
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