The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State in the April election, Dr. Dakuku Peterside has congratulated Nigeria on her 55th birthday.

Peterside described Nigeria as a country currently experiencing resounding changes on account of a focused leadership, praising the founding fathers of Nigeria for their sacrifice and commitment through the colonial days to the dawn of independence.

He said in a statement signed by his Special Assistant (Media) Sylvester Asoya

That Nigerians have every reason to celebrate, having experienced over 16 years of uninterrupted democratic rule and survived a Civil War that had threatened their unity.

Said Peterside: “Birthdays are seasons for stock-taking. As we mark our independence anniversary, we must give gratitude to God for creating and sustaining this unique edifice called Nigeria.

“We have come a long way, no doubt. But we have also surmounted huge obstacles on our tortuous path to nationhood since our independence in 1960.

“Apart from other accomplishments, the fact that we survived a Civil War is a major achievement. Today, we speak of democratic values and a thriving democracy that is healthy and threading a purposeful path.

“But it could still have been better, given our endowments, both human and material. For many years, our hopes for a great nation were dashed by the challenge of leadership, particularly at the highest level. The last six years was particularly harrowing for many Nigerians who witnessed the faltering and diminishing policies and actions of that last regime.

“Today, confidence and trust are gradually returning. I know that the generality of our people are happy again with their government at the centre. I must state here that we are also steadily reclaiming our lost glory on international arena. There is no accident about these developments. The character of the president, obviously is significantly affecting the way we do things now.

‘It is evident that President Muhammadu Buhari is providing leadership and rekindling hope and self-assurance in our abilities as a great people. As we mark this day, it is important to remember that our journey towards full restoration of our country continues.

“Therefore we must join hands with the Buhari-led government as it tackles corruption, impunity, incompetence, unemployment and all the vices that remind us of the sorry story of our recent history. Surely, Nigeria is on the march again and we must all lend our support.”

•Photo shows Peterside.