Senator Albert Felicitates With President Buhari, Nigerians On Independence Day

Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources Upstream, Senator Bassey Albert Akpan (OBA) has hailed President Muhammadu Buhari and all Nigerians as Nigeria clocks 61 years of nationhood.

In a goodwill message to mark Nigeria’s independence celebration titled, “Salute To Our Fatherland” Senator Albert, who represents the Akwa Ibom North East Senatorial District, says Nigeria has made a landmark journey as a sovereign country despite multi-facetted challenges.

He notes that our democracy has played a fundamental role in refreshing the virility of our unity as well as engender greater space for socio-economic growth and political cohesion.

“Today, we rise as patriots to celebrate our beloved nation Nigeria at 61 years of nationhood. As ever, the historic birth of our independence on that glorious day of October 1, 1960 comes with reminiscences.

“For six decades and one year today, we can acknowledge that it has been a landmark voyage as a sovereign nation. Nigeria has withstood vicissitudes to attain lofty heights across various spectrums.

“Democracy, as our fundamental loop, has refreshed the virility of our unity and heralded a greater space for socio-economic growth and political cohesion,” he said.

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Senator Albert, who is the Leader of Akwa Ibom State Caucus in the National Assembly, Abuja, expresses thankfulness to God for perfecting our independence and providing His grace upon the nation as witnessed in our journey so far.

“Our hearts therefore effuse with thankfulness to the God of all creation for perfecting our independence and granting us a successful milestone so far,” adds.

He however bemoans the calamities that have befallen many families and the Armed Forces over security challenges in various parts of the country noting that these ugly developments have traumatized the nation and caused socio-economic discomforts.

“However, as we celebrate, it is pertinent to reflect on, with solemnity, the challenges we have faced in recent history.

“In this wise, we must demonstrate compassion with families in various parts of the country and the Armed Forces, who have suffered material and human losses occasioned by incidences of insecurity.

“We pray for the repose of the souls of the departed as well as fortitude for all the affected families to bear the losses.

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He therefore commends President Muhammadu Buhari for the bold and courageous deadline given to the Nigerian Armed Forces to end insurgency by March 2022, saying that this signals ray of hope to all Nigerians that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

The two-term Senator urges “leaders to inculcate greater sense of tolerance, embrace rebirth and join hands to re-engineer Nigeria into a wholesome nation state.”

“May I, on behalf of my wife, Pastor (Mrs) Imaobong-Nkiru Albert, Family and Constituents of Akwa Ibom North East Senatorial District, felicitate with His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, Commander- in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; the President of the Senate, His Excellency, Dr. Ahmad Lawan; and His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State; and indeed all Nigerians on this auspicious milestone.

Senator Albert also pays glowing tributes to our heroes and heroines who struggled passionately to secure our independence from Britain on October 1, 1960. Forever we will continue to treasure them in our memories.

“Let us continue to strengthen our brotherhood irrespective of our diverse backgrounds, religious inclinations and political affiliations. This way, we shall consolidate the many giant strides we have made so far as a nation. God bless our land,” he states.