Nigeria Needs Strong Leadership -Wike
Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has declared that Nigeria needs strong leadership to tackle and surmount the enormous challenges bedeviling the country.
This was as he also called for stronger ties among the various ethnic and religious groups, for the overall peace and unity of the country.
The governor made the assertion during the Juma’at Service held in commemoration of the 61st Independence Anniversary of Nigeria held at the state Central Mosque, Niger Street, Port Harcourt, on Friday.
As contained in a statement by his media aide, Kelvin Ebiri, Wike, who was represented by his Special Adviser on School Sports, Dr Okiri Mohammed, called for the unity of the country, particularly at this point that it is passing through several challenges.
“This independence of the country is about the unity and strength of the country. The country is passing through perilous times and the country requires strong leadership. It requires faith and, collectively, we can achieve peace when we come together by the grace of God,” he said.
Governor Wike urged the people of Rivers State to support the government in what he called the battle against the Federal Government as regards the issue of collection of Value Added Tax (VAT).
Also speaking, the Sole Administrator, Rivers State Muslim Pilgrims Board, Abdul-Razak Diepreye, noted the challenge of insecurity facing the country and called on the government at the centre to come up with strong economic policies that will allow states to become viable economically.
Abdul-Razak Diepreye lauded Governor Wike challenging the illegality of Federal Government in collecting VAT on behalf of the state governments.
“The nation is having serious security challenge. The All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government should be able to come up with necessary economic relief for this nation.
“I thank His Excellency, the governor of Rivers State for setting the pace in the history of this country. I wholeheartedly support His Excellency on this issue of VAT and I believe a lot of well meaning Nigerians are also in support,” he said.
In his message titled, “To Keep Hope Alive”, the Imam, Port Harcourt Central Mosque, Malik Yahaya, noted the sacrifices made by the forefathers in fighting for the independence of the nation.
