As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, the NDC candidate for Idemili North and South Federal Constituency, Engr. Eric Nnamdi Anyamene, has called for a renewed commitment to people-centred governance and more responsive political representation.
Anyamene, in an Independence Day message, said the anniversary provided an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country's journey since independence while renewing their commitment to building a more functional and inclusive society.
He acknowledged the economic and social challenges confronting citizens, particularly in the areas of security, infrastructure, employment and access to opportunities.
“Sixty-six years after independence, our journey has not been without challenges. Many families are facing difficult economic realities, while concerns about security, infrastructure, employment and access to opportunities remain,” he said.
According to him, acknowledging the country's challenges should not lead Nigerians to lose confidence in its potential.
“We must be honest about these challenges: Nigeria is not yet where we want it to be. Yet, we must not lose hope in our country,” Anyamene said.
He described Nigerians as “resourceful, hardworking and capable of achieving great things” when provided with effective leadership and opportunities to thrive.
The Idemili political aspirant said good governance must be centred on citizens and their everyday needs, arguing that elected representatives should maintain a direct connection with the people they serve.
“For me, good governance begins with putting people at the centre of public service,” he said.
“Representation must mean more than occupying a seat in an elected chamber. It must involve listening to the people, understanding their concerns, speaking for them and working to turn their legitimate expectations into practical outcomes.”
Anyamene said his decision to seek election to the National Assembly was informed by his belief that constituents deserve accessible and accountable representation.
“This conviction is one of the reasons I have made myself available to represent the good people of Idemili North and South in the National Assembly,” he said.
He added that the people of the constituency deserve representatives who are accessible, responsible and focused on delivering results.
“I believe our people deserve representation that is accessible, responsible and focused on results,” Anyamene said.
He also called for a different approach to public office, saying political institutions should be focused on improving the lives of citizens.
“Someone must be willing to demonstrate that public office can be approached differently—that institutions can serve people better and that meaningful progress is possible when leadership is guided by responsibility and a genuine commitment to the public good,” he said.
On national unity, Anyamene urged Nigerians to view the country's diversity as a strength and work towards stronger institutions capable of addressing citizens' concerns.
“Our diversity should be a source of strength, not division,” he said, while calling for institutions that “command public confidence, encourage enterprise, protect citizens and create opportunities for young people to fulfil their potential.”
He also commended Nigerians who continue to contribute to the country's development despite economic difficulties.
“To every Nigerian who continues to work, build, create, provide for a family and contribute to society despite the difficulties, I salute your resilience,” Anyamene said.
He said the country's Independence Anniversary should serve as a reminder of the collective responsibility to build a Nigeria where good governance, justice, opportunity and dignity are reflected in citizens' daily lives.
“May this Independence Day renew our faith in Nigeria and strengthen our determination to build a country where good governance, justice, opportunity and dignity are not ideals but realities experienced by citizens,” he said.
Anyamene, who is also known as Ezenwa Idemili, wished Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary and extended his goodwill to the people of Idemili and Nigerians across the country.
He is the NDC candidate for Idemili North and South Federal Constituency.
