By Adaeze Onuora, Abakaliki
The Senator representing Ebonyi North Senatorial district and Deputy Chairman Senate Committee on Public Accounts, Distinguished Senator Barrister Onyekachi Peter Nwebonyi submitted that Nigeria' s independence brought about the emancipation of not just Nigeria but the entire Africa from colonialism.
Senator Nwebonyi made the disclosure when he featured on Nigeria Television Authority, Abuja Network programme tagged: “Weekend Deal” which was anchored by Mrs Nneka Igwe Orugbala on Saturday, September 30, 2023.
In a statement signed and made available to Newsmen by Romanus Uzor Ozioko, Legislative Media Aide to the Distinguished Senator.
The Federal Lawmaker admitted that Nigeria like many other nations in the world including the United States of America are faced with diverse challenges of nationhood but those can’t undermine the gains of independence and democracy.
According to Senator Nwebonyi: “The independence of Nigeria brought an end to colonialism not just in Nigeria but in the entire Africa because it sparked off the decolonization of other parts of Africa. That’s why every other country look up to Nigeria as their hope and big brother.”
Barrister Nwebonyi maintained that Nigeria’s independence holds a lot of promises to the citizens. He explained that the independence brought about the sovereignty of Nigeria including economic stability, political stability and territorial integrity among other gains.
“One of the greatest achievements we have made from independence is the successful transition from military to civilian rule which we are enjoying today. You will agree with me that democracy is the best form of government all over the world and without independence, you can’t talk of democracy. This is one of the significant achievements that we have made and I believe that we are getting there.”
Speaking further, Senator Nwebonyi identified economic growth as another area of achievements from independence noting that our gross domestic product has continued to improve over the years. He averred that despite imminent challenges faced by Nigerian government and elsewhere, Nigeria is on the threshold of excellence. The vibrant lawmaker expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s commitment to bringing genuine leadership and prosperity to the nation.
Distinguished Senator Nwebonyi described President Tinubu as a man of integrity who is genuinely determined to rewrite the ugly narratives of Nigeria. He praised his courage in removing the fuel subsidy which he described as a conduit pipe used by corrupt politicians to milk our economy dry.
“This is the best time to get it right under President Tinubu. When you look at his economic policies starting from the removal of fuel subsidy, you will agree with me that he meant well for the citizenry. The fuel subsidy was a conduit pipe to exploit the nation to the detriment of the people but he boldly removed the fuel subsidy. Even though it’s biting hard on the citizenry, it’s a necessary sacrifice we must make. If you look at the record, you will see that we have more revenues than before. It’s only when Government has revenue that you talk of development. I believe that as a country, we are getting there, and we are on the right track.”
The young federal lawmaker explained that this current administration has the interest of the youths at heart and called on them to be patient with the federal government to deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda.
