Anambra State governor, Chef Willie Obiano has called on Anambra people to think of what they can do for Nigeria, rather than what the country can do for them.
Obiano while addressing the people of the state on the occasion of this year’s Independence day celebration at Dr Alex Ekwueme Square said that heeding the call of former US President, John Kenedy is the only way to make Nigeria great again.
The governor said his administration was not unaware of the hardship being faced by the people of the state as a result of the economic recession in the country, but the important thing is that he and his team are working hard to ensure that the effect of the recession was mitigated in Anambra.
He said, “This year’s Independence Anniversary celebration calls for sober reflection. We must look inwards and find the inner strength to ask ourselves with the tremulous voice of former US President John F Kennedy, “What can I do for my country?”
“Nigeria needs our passion and commitment. Nigeria needs our time and our talent! This is not the time for recriminations. Nor the time to trade blames. This is not the time to widen the natural gulf between us, nor create artificial ones along party lines.
“This is not the time for pride either. Or deny our country a healing touch! This is the time for Nigeria! And though the moment may appear bleak, I want to assure you that everything will be all right!”
He added that the recent abolition of some taxes for low income earners was his government’s way of cushioning the effect of the recession, and that he will also commence employment soon, just as the state is disbursing over N3billion as soft loans to small business owners.
The governor also announced that, “In exercise of the powers conferred on me by Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I hereby grant amnesty to 8 convicts and Free Pardon to one prisoner. The instruments of Amnesty have all been duly perfected, and the lucky beneficiaries have therefore, regained their freedom.”
THISDAY reports that this year’s independence day celebration was heavily attended in the state.
