As the countdown to the much-anticipated 2023 general election begins, a non-partisan, socio-political and economic development-oriented organisation, Anya-Ndi-Igbo, has urged Nigerians to come together in unison to standup for their country.

The group which said it is committed to equity, peace, unity, justice and progress of Nigeria, while noting that the problems of Nigeria are known and have been understood by genuine and interested persons, insisted that “this is the time to take back our country, confront the problems, surmount them and move on.”

Anya-Ndi-Igbo, in a statement over the weekend, expressed support for the country’s national re-birth moves, saying it was time for citizens of like minds to confront the challenges plaguing the country.

The group, which said patriotic Nigerians across economic categories, ethnicities, faiths and genders, among others, were expressing sincere desire to escape, once-and-for-all, economic and social backwardness, mutual distrust and disunity that have gripped the nation, posited that the 2023 elections present the brightest opportunity to realise the dream.

Insisting that the victory that would make sense in 2023 would be victory for the Nigerian nation, not victory for any individual or any ethnic group, Anya-Ndi-Igbo said it was inspired that Nigerian youths, who hold the key to ensuring that Nigeria takes its desired pre-eminent position in Africa and the global scene are filled with the spirit of nationalism.

“Our youths are an important entity in the vanguard of this movement for national re-birth and advancement. Together and based on constructive synergising of the objective realities of our diversity, they are nurturing and rallying a national identity of mutual support and collective advancement,” the group said in a statement signed by Interim Chairman, Board of Trustees, Elder Uma Eleazu OON; Interim President, Engr. Chris Okoye; Interim Deputy President, Dr. Abraham Nwankwo; Interim Secretary, Sir Okey Nwadinobi; Representative of Women, Nnedinso Ogaziechi; Representative, Association of Igbo Town Unions, Chief Emeka Diwe and Representative of World Igbo Congress (WIC)/Representative of all Igbo Town Unions in the Overseas Diaspora, Prof. Anthony Ejiofor.

Anya-Ndi-Igbo said while the outcome of the 2023 election will be consequential, the victory that will make sense will be victory for the Nigerian nation, not victory for any individual or any ethnic group.

Victory for the Nigerian nation, the group averred “is the victory that carries the momentum for national cohesion and which will, ipso facto, guarantee a proud place on the global platform, for our children and grandchildren.”

The statement titled, “On the 2023 General Elections: The Victory That Will Make Sense For Nigeria,” reads:

“Patriotic Nigerians across economic categories, ethnicities, faiths, and genders are expressing sincere desire to escape, once-and-for-all, economic and social backwardness, mutual distrust and disunity which has gripped the nation.

“Nigerians desire to commence marching towards economic prosperity, social advancement, mutual empathy and love and a united and great nation.

“This great expectation for the emergence of a great New Nigeria Nation is coming from our citizens at home and abroad, as well as from our neighbors and friends in the global community.

“We are inspired that the youths of Nigeria, who indeed, hold the key to ensuring that Nigeria takes its desired pre-eminent position in Africa and the Global scene are filled with the spirit of nationalism. Our Youth are an important entity in the vanguard of this movement for national re-birth and advancement. Together and based on constructive synergizing of the objective realities of our diversity, they are nurturing and rallying a national identity of mutual support and collective advancement.

“We urge all Nigerians to imagine how our children, grandchildren and their successors will be proud inheritors of a prosperous and great nation. This should be our goal rather than primitive accumulation and self-aggrandizement, sectarianism and parochialism.

“The victory that will make sense in 2023, is victory for the Nigerian nation, not victory for any individual or any ethnic group. It is the victory that carries the momentum for national cohesion and which will, ipso facto, guarantee a proud place on the global platform, for our children and grandchildren.

“Nigerians should realize that providence is providing, in the next General Election, new and historic window of opportunity to build a New Nigeria. This New Nigeria Movement, in which our industrious youths are playing a commendable role, using the vehicle of LIKE MINDS FOR THE COMMON GOOD, is simply the embodiment of a people united in spirit and purpose to achieve a common goal. That is the spirit that builds a united and prosperous great nation, led by people of character, competence and commitment to attain goals of building a modern democratic and prosperous nation, “Can two walk together unless they are agreed?” (Amos 3:3)

“We note that a majority of responsible and respectable individuals and groups, partisan and non-partisan, are already subscribing to this stance. It is extremely necessary to make the best use of this rare opportunity of nation-wide collective awakening and re-affirmation of faith in a great, mutually-empathic, united and proud country.

“Accordingly, we, @Anya-Ndi-Igbo, a non-partisan, socio-political and economic development oriented organization, committed to equity, peace, unity, justice and progress of Nigeria, lend our full support to the commitment of all patriotic and progressive Nigerians to the movement in this new direction of national re-birth, mutual empathy, inclusive and cooperative advancement, devoid of primordial sentiments, and enthronement of unity and prosperity.

“We call on all Nigerians of LIKE MINDS FOR THE COMMON GOOD to come together in unison to standup for Nigeria. The problems of Nigeria are known and have been understood by genuine and interested persons. This is the time to take back our country, confront the problems, surmount them and move on.”

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