By Aloysius Umalo, Makurdi
Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, has called on citizens to renew their hope in Nigeria, urging leaders and followers to work collectively towards building a peaceful, secure and prosperous society.
Aondoakaa made the call in a message to the people of Benue State to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary on Thursday.
He said the anniversary should not merely be a commemoration of Nigeria’s independence from colonial rule, but also an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the kind of society being built and whether the benefits of independence were being felt in the daily lives of Nigerians.
According to him, the challenges confronting the nation require renewed commitment to peace, security, economic development, good governance and social justice.
He identified the safe return of farmers to their farms, the resettlement of internally displaced persons, job creation for young people, support for businesses and provision of basic infrastructure as some of the major priorities requiring urgent attention in Benue state.
Aondoakaa said the aspirations of Benue people for peace, security, employment, good roads, quality schools, healthcare and economic opportunities were legitimate expectations of a hardworking population.
He maintained that Benue had the resources and human capacity to overcome its challenges, stressing that agriculture must remain central to the state’s economic recovery because of its status as the “Food Basket of the Nation.”
He, however, noted that farmers could not contribute meaningfully to food production if they could not safely access their farms.
The former minister of Justice equally described security as the foundation for sustainable development, stressing that displaced persons should be given more than sympathy.
He said they deserved the opportunity to return safely to their ancestral homes, rebuild their damaged Communities and resume their livelihoods.
Aondoakaa also called for deliberate measures to create an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive, businesses to expand and sustainable employment opportunities to be created for young people.
He urged government to support enterprise through infrastructure, access to opportunities and appropriate incentives, while investing in skills development to prepare young people for the changing economy.
The former Attorney-General further advocated effective Local Government administration, transparency and accountability in the management of public resources, respect for the rule of law and fairness and justice in governance.
He cautioned against the glorification of political leaders, stressing that public office holders should regard themselves as servants of the people and custodians of the collective destiny of the state.
“Benue belongs to its people,” he said, adding that those entrusted with public office must remain conscious of their responsibility to serve the people.
Chief Aondoakaa acknowledged that Nigeria had made significant progress since independence but added that much remained to be done in building the nation citizens desired.
He urged the people of Benue not to surrender to despair, saying the difficulties confronting the state and country should not extinguish hope for a better future.
He expressed optimism about the possibility of a Benue where farmers could cultivate their lands without fear, businesses would flourish, young people would have meaningful opportunities and displaced families would safely return home.
The former minister reaffirmed his faith in Nigeria and Benue State, as well as the resilience and capacity of the people to overcome existing challenges.
He wished Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary and prayed for the blessings of God upon Benue State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
