The Southern Senators Forum, on Saturday, urged Nigerians to make the right choices in the 2023 general election.
It said that would be their contribution to the building of a progressive nation.
The Forum said Nigeria can only witness progress and prosperity if all citizens value unity and patriotism.
The Senators believe there is need to forge a united nation, fortify the country’s bonds and make it strong to overcome the cankerworms of corruption, insecurity and economic deprivation in the new year.
The forum’s Chairman and Senator representing Ekiti Central, Opeyemi Bamidele, stated these in a statement to mark the new year festivities in Abuja.
Bamidele appealed to religious and political leaders not to make inflammatory comments that can further widen the existing cleavages and stoke the fire of disunity, that has been the main challenge ripping the country apart.
He said the country was brought together through God’s design without the input of any mortal and urged Nigerians to guard the country’s unity jealously.
The Senator wished Nigerians a prosperous new year.
Bamidele said: “We thank God for giving us the opportunity to see the new year as it is neither by might nor by our own strength, but by the help of Almighty God because nobody can receive anything except it has been given by God.
“I want to use this opportunity to appeal to our community and religious leaders to continue to preach the message of peace among all Nigerians, because a nation can’t progress or prosper unless there is unity among tribes and religious organizations.
“We must know that a peaceful and united nation is a bedrock and fertile ground for progress and prosperity to be attained and sustained.
“With that spirit of unity and patriotism, we believe citizens can get it right by voting their conscience in any election without external influence and inducement.
“We charge Nigerians to get it right in the new year by supporting government to build strong institutions that can stand the test of time and put the nation on a faster pace of peace, unity, political emancipation and economic prosperity.”
