36
I wish to felicitate with Nigerians and citizens of Kogi State in particular on this occasion of the 59th anniversary of the independence of our country from colonial rule. This day in 1960 marked our final walk into self rule and freedom to self determination.
The Independence of our dear nation remains very significant and important particularly for us in Kogi State as our fathers remain prominent in the roll call of heroes whose lives were sacrificed in wars and armed conflicts of the colonial powers. Till today the Cenotaph of the Second World War and several other relics of the era in our state are reminders of the sacrifices of our heroes past.
With our state capital having served as the Capital of our country in the days of colonialism, our land automatically became the first catchment area for the conscription of young people into The British Royal Army to prosecute the war effort of the Allied Forces hence history records Kogi State as having one of the highest casualties of the era.
Independence was therefore more momentous to us as people than perhaps many other Nigerians as there hardly any is families in Kogi State without heroes and casualties of the colonial wars.
Fifty Nine years after the freedom of our dear country from colonial rule our state is again at the cross roads of a struggle for freedom and liberty from the stranglehold of state induced poverty, hunger, zero infrastructure ,a comatose local economy, insecurity, thuggery and violence.
This occasion of the anniversary of our freedom from subjugation by the colonial government should be a reminder and encouragement that with patriotism, resilience, popular determination and courage our situation can be changed for the best through the opportunities of election provided by our democracy.
We pray to God almighty that by the next celebration of the anniversary of our independence we would equally be looking forward to November 16 as the first anniversary of the day the suffering people of Kogi State arose to use their votes to reinforce the freedom already secured for us by the founding fathers of our nation by evicting the regime of oppression that now hold our state hostage.
I urge our people to keep protecting our freedom, liberty and democratic rights very jealousy. For these are the most preeminent aspects of any independence.
Happy Independence celebration to the Good people of Kogi State.
Signed
Engr Musa Wada
Kogi State Governorship Candiate
Peoples Democratic Party
