The Chairman of the Rivers State House of Assembly Committee on Education, Hon. (Dr.) Farah Dagogo, says if utmost premium is placed on social trust between the government and the governed, it has the propensity to fast track growth and development as well as its sustainability in Nigeria.

The lawmaker, who made this known through a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ibrahim Lawal, marking Nigeria’s 58th Independence celebration, noted that the disregard and near absence of this fundamental basis could be linked to the numerous challenges bedeviling the country which has regrettably impacted negatively on it. 

Farah Dagogo, who also doubles as the lawmaker representing Degema Constituency in the State House of Assembly, said in order to remember, celebrate and honour the bravery and memories of Nigeria’s national heroes who laid down their lives in course of the struggle for the nation’s independence, “we must always pursue a path of peace and justice for all”. 

“We all must rise to the great task of building social trust between the government and the governed. By so doing, we can have peace and stability in our country as well as wishing our dreams of a new tomorrow come true,” he stressed. 

While stressing the need for unity and peaceful coexistence amongst citizens, Farah Dagogo urged fellow political leaders of the country at all levels to place public interests above their political or personal interests, so that the yearnings and aspirations of the masses can be realized.

He equally saluted the Governor of Rivers State, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Wike for demonstrating with his performances that good governance is still possible. 

“As we remember and celebrate the bravery of our national heroes who gave us Independence, there is no better time than this day of our Independence Day anniversary to take stock of how far we have gone, especially in the face of the numerous challenges bedeviling our country.

“Our national heroes believed that by uniting we stand and by dividing we fall and I agree no less. Every citizen should have a sense of belonging wherever they found themselves.”

“Also very fundamental to us as a nation, we need good leaders! Leaders who we all can trust, the kind of leaders who always put public interests above their political or personal interests, so that the yearnings and aspirations of the commoners can be realized. In that aspect Governor Nyesom Wike has raised the bar and shown that good governance is still possible in Nigeria with the landmarks achievements he has recorded in Rivers State,” the lawmaker added.