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The Kano State governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has called on political leaders to use Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary to reflect on their responsibility to the people rather than merely mark the occasion with ceremonies and speeches.
Mr Gwarzo, a former deputy governor of Kano State, urged leaders at all levels to put the interests of Nigerians above personal and partisan considerations, saying the quality of leadership should be measured by its impact on citizens.
He made the call in a statement issued on Wednesday by his spokesman, Ibrahim Shuaibu, to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
According to Mr Gwarzo, the anniversary should remind both leaders and citizens of their responsibility to build a country where Nigerians can live with dignity, security and hope.
He called for renewed commitment to democratic values, good governance, national unity and economic development.
The NDC governorship candidate said Nigeria’s 66 years of independence had demonstrated the resilience and determination of its people despite the challenges confronting the country.
“Independence is not simply about the freedom we got in 1960; it is about the responsibility we have today to protect our democracy, strengthen our institutions, promote freedom of speech and build a country that works for all,” Gwarzo said.
He said political leadership should be about listening to citizens, protecting their interests and creating opportunities for young Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Mr Gwarzo also urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to play an active role in the democratic process and demand accountability from those entrusted with public office.
The NDC candidate said the economic difficulties facing many families required urgent and practical interventions capable of reducing hardship and restoring confidence in the country’s future.
He called for greater investment in education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, security and job creation, describing the sectors as critical to building a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.
Mr Gwarzo said government policies and programmes should ultimately be judged by their impact on the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
He also urged political leaders to place the welfare of citizens above partisan interests.
The former deputy governor called on Nigerians to reject ethnic and religious divisions, arguing that the country’s diversity should instead be turned into an asset for national development.
He said the responsibility of building a united country rested not only with political leaders but also with citizens.
Mr Gwarzo reaffirmed his commitment to democratic governance and a political system that prioritises the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
He said the country’s future would depend largely on the quality of its leadership and the collective determination of its people to demand accountability.
He prayed for peace, security and prosperity in Nigeria and wished citizens a happy 66th Independence Anniversary.
