Esile Urges Imolites to Support Government, Embrace Peace on 66th Independence Anniversary
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Azuka Godgift Ifeyinwa
The President of the Fresh Air Movement in Imo State, Hon. Chief (Dr.) James Uba Esile, has congratulated the people of Imo State on Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, urging citizens to remain peaceful, law-abiding and committed to the development of the country.
Esile, who represents Onuimo State Constituency in the Imo State House of Assembly, also called on Imolites to continue supporting government at all levels while contributing positively to the development of their communities.
In his Independence Day message, Esile commended the resilience of the people of Onuimo and Imo State amid current economic challenges, describing the difficulties associated with ongoing economic reforms as sacrifices that come with efforts to reposition the nation.
He specifically referenced the Federal Government’s economic reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including the removal of fuel subsidy, and urged citizens to remain committed to legitimate means of livelihood and their civic responsibilities.
“Today is the celebration of Nigeria at 66. This is a great moment that calls for celebration, and I’m happy that Nigeria has not only attained this height, but we have also sustained our resolve to deepen democracy uninterruptedly since 1999,” he said.
Speaking on the current economic situation, Esile acknowledged the difficulties being experienced by Nigerians but said such challenges should be considered within the context of the reforms being implemented by the Federal Government.
“Yes, I agree that times are hard, but that doesn’t take away the efforts of this administration. And you know that any nation that undergoes major economic reforms, like Nigeria is undergoing, has its own economic consequences. I must give it to the people of Imo State and Nigeria at large for remaining committed to supporting this government and doing their part,” he said.
The lawmaker stressed the importance of citizens’ participation in nation-building, noting that government efforts alone could not guarantee sustainable development.
“We should recognise the fact that no matter how hard the times are, the role of citizens in nation-building is very essential and that we should endeavour to perform our responsibilities,” Esile said.
He thanked the people of Onuimo State Constituency for entrusting him with their mandate and said he remained committed to improving governance and representation in the constituency.
“I want to thank the people of Onuimo for giving me the mandate to serve, and by God’s grace, we are doing our best to improve governance in the constituency,” he said.
Esile also called on members and coordinators of the Fresh Air Movement to remain focused on the organisation’s motto, “Uplifting the masses.”
“I want to use this special occasion to celebrate all the members of the Fresh Air Movement and coordinators to remain focused on our motto, ‘Uplifting the masses,’ because it is when the masses feel the impact of government, especially people in rural communities, that we will truly think of justice in governance,” he said.
He further appealed to residents across Imo State to maintain peace and support government at all levels, stressing that peaceful communities are essential for development.
“Peace is the mother of development,” Esile said.
He also noted that Nigeria, which gained independence on October 1, 1960, remains relatively young compared with countries such as the United States, United Kingdom and Germany. He expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future while urging citizens to participate actively in governance and political processes.
Esile wished the people of Onuimo and all Imolites a peaceful and successful Independence Day celebration, while emphasising unity, good governance, civic responsibility and citizen participation in nation-building.
