Being Alive To See 2012 Is A Rare Privilege -Ikuforiji

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, has congratulated all Lagosians, and indeed Nigerians, for being alive to see the new year despite the current insecurity in the country.

The Speaker also congratulated Nigerians for keeping faith with the country despite the frustrating situation that has pervaded the country for sometime now.

According to Ikuforiji, “ordinarily, many Nigerians who are alive today may be tempted to become despondent about the general hardship and insecurity prevailing in our country today.

“Not withsanding the general hardship and the worsening insecurity brought about by the unwholesome activities of Boko Haram, which is making our once peaceful country to now look unsafe, I would still like to rejoice with all our people that are alive to see the new year.

“I strongly believe that it is a rare privilege for the Almighty to have preserved our lives and nation till now. So, it is worth rejoicing with all Nigerians that are alive today for being lucky to be.”

The Speaker further urged Nigerians to keep praying and be hopeful that the nation would overcome the present state of insecurity and general hardship confronting many homes.

“As a believer, it is my opinion that our nation will overcome all these challenges that are demeaning our nation’s once-enviable status in the comity of nations.

“It is also my opinion that Nigerians, whether Muslims or Christians, should henceforth be security conscious.

“They should also henceforth be vigilant and help our law enforcement authorities with the much needed information whenever they notice any suspicious movement around them,” he said, adding that such information would assist the security agencies in the country to curb insecurity.

Ikuforiji also called on members of Boko Haram to come forward to state their grievances to enable the government dialogue with them.

“In my candid opinion, it is very unfortunate and sad for our nation to be presently witnessing the spate of bombings and loss of innocent lives caused by members of the dreaded Boko Haram.

“Honestly, enough is enough. I strongly advise them to stop their unpatriotic acts and embrace peace. I also urge our security agencies to leave no stone unturned at check-mating the activities of those endangering the lives of our people,” he said.

Ikuforiji stressed that the relative peace currently being witnessed in Lagos State can be attributed to the effectiveness of those at the helm of affairs in the state.

He also called for a special status for the state since it is seen as a mini-Nigeria and the country’s former capital.

By Eromosele Ebhomele