Former Lagos governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) national stalwart, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has asked Nigerians to select the path of forward progress in 2019 as opposed to going backwards to the past that has not helped the nation.

In the New Year message he personally signed, the APC leader said Nigerians must enter 2019 and see it as a new day for the country.

“The nation is on the verge of an election to determine our collective fate,” he said, adding, “We can either chose to continue forward or return to the old ways that held us back for so long. Just as 2018 must turn into 2019, we must also continue to move forward. As time cannot proceed backward. Nor should we.”

Asiwaju Tinubu was referring to the 2019 general election, which is around the corner.

The New Year message reads: “As time ushers in the New Year, we must look back on 2018 with thanks and gratitude. We thank God for Nigeria and all that He has done for us.

“We realise that we still have much to do and far to travel to become the nation we are destined to be. Yet, we must also acknowledge that we have come a long way. We have made progress and it has at times been difficult, yet we stand with great hope and belief that we shall advance and move this nation forward.

“Let us recognise that which has been done this past year. President Buhari has built a foundation for sustainable growth and development, a path for a better future. President Buhari has brought transparency and accountability in the government’s businesses.

“The Buhari administration has shown the compassionate side of our traditions and our very nature by constructing a social safety net to assure the poorest among us are not neglected but are cared for as is the right of every human being. It has fed children that they may go to school.

“It has trained people that they may acquire a livelihood. It has empowered those who wish to start businesses and employ others. It has helped farmers become more productive so that they may earn more money while better feeding the nation.

“For instance, we have recorded significant breakthrough in agriculture with increased local rice production and the attendant reduction in rice importation. These things have been done not to win accolades but because they are the right things for a decent and caring government to do for a decent and good people.

“As we move into the New Year, let us do so committed to doing our best for Nigeria.

“The nation is on the verge of an election to determine our collective fate. We can either chose to continue forward or return to the old ways that held us back for so long. Just as 2018 must turn into 2019, we must also continue to move forward. As time cannot proceed backward. Nor should we.

“We must enter the New Year and see it as a new day for Nigeria. Thus, I ask you to perform your civic duty to vote with utmost faith, responsibility and the best interest of the country at heart.

“We have a choice to make. The choice we make will demonstrate the type of nation we want. I select the path of forward progress for I have never commended to myself or to the nation the awkward practice of walking backward. We must exercise courage and vision. We must continue forward. For the sake of this nation and our posterity, we dare not retreat or regress.

“Elections will be free and fair. You must add your voice and vote. You must participate in this important exercise of our democratic rights and institutions. We seek to build a better nation. We ask you to join us.

“In so doing, we give effect to the best of our hopes and aspirations for 2019. I wish you all a wonderful New Year.”

Update news