The umbrella body of political parties in Nigeria, the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has urged governments at all levels to provide dividends of democracy to Nigerians to alleviate their sufferings.
It added that it was the primary responsibility of the government to provide security and improve the well-being of the people, saying there should be no excuse in discharging this crucial constitutional obligation.
In a statement by the national publicity secretary, IPAC, Mrs Chinyere Oge-Kalu, to felicitate with Christians on the occasion of the Christmas celebration, it said Nigerians desire and deserve a fair deal with their governments, a nation blessed with abundant human and natural resources.
The Council expressed its sadness over the deaths of dozens of citizens during the distribution of food items in Oyo, Anambra and FCT, Abuja.
“Our hearts bleed over these irreparable losses which demonstrate the extent of hunger in the land. The best way to honour these fallen citizens and ‘hand on to our children, a banner without stain,’ is for governments at all levels to formulate and implement people-oriented policies, projects and programmes that will boost citizens’ standards of living and make them proud to be Nigerians anywhere they are.”
It noted that nation-building is a collective responsibility and urged Nigerians to unite, set aside individual, ethnic, and political differences, and build a better society that future generations will be proud of.
IPAC urged Christians to reflect deeply on the reason for the season and imbibe the spirit of love, peace, unity, tolerance and forgiveness as demonstrated by Jesus Christ.
“The need for prayers and patriotism cannot be overemphasized as we renew our faith in God and rededicate ourselves to the service of our dear nation.
“Christmas is a season that rekindles hope in spite of numerous challenges facing the nation. With faith, confidence and a shared vision of a brighter future, we shall surmount these challenges in order to build ‘a nation where no man is oppressed; and so with peace and plenty, Nigeria may be blessed,’ in the words of the national anthem,” it stated.
