The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the February 25 elections, also praised the youths for using their energy and competence in cementing their place in the global economy.
Abubakar made the statement on Sunday, via his profile on X (formerly Twitter), in commemoration of the nation’s 63rd Independence Day anniversary.
He tweeted, “The talents and doggedness of young Nigerians who have refused to give up on the country are the inspiration for the greater future that we celebrate today.
“The energy of the Nigerian youth is a formidable force in the consternation of manpower and skills that power the global economy.”
He said the youths of the country have “proven to have the competence to rival any of their peers from any part of the world.
“That success – the gallantry of our youth – is the primal element of what we celebrate today as a nation.”
The former VP stated that the country has continued to “struggle to manifest the dreams of our founding fathers in upholding the promises of shared prosperity and social justice.
“The event of this year’s Independence Day is coming at a time when the country is at a crossroads in many aspects of our national lives.
“Sixty-three years ago, when this great country acquired independence, it was upon the promise of abundant prosperity and the principle of social justice.”
He recalled that the nation’s national flag has flown tall on the global stage due to the rich industry of “our sportsmen and women, the prolific distinction of our academia and the top-notch artistry of Nigerian talents in the global music scene.”
“Therefore, for me, the challenge before us all is ensuring that the political leadership in the country that we call home should be worthy of our pride as a people and not of telling embarrassment.
“Our democracy has triumphed so far due to the fidelity of our conviction that a democracy when properly nurtured, should bring out the best in us and of us,” Abubakar noted.
As Nigerians, we are all not unfamiliar with the hardships in the economy, security and other vital aspects of our society.
He enjoined Nigerians to have faith in God while they endeavour their best to “pull the country back from this point of uncertainty to a place of common safety.”
