Former leader of the Youth Earnestly Ask for Abacha (YEAA) and Chairman of New Deal Organisation, Daniel Kanu, has urged Nigerians to adopt patriotism and collective responsibility as a solution to the country's problems. In his 66th Independence Day message, Kanu emphasized the need for Nigerians to work together to uplift the nation. He was inspired by President Bola Tinubu's anniversary speech, which acknowledged past failures and appealed for collective effort.
Kanu's message was a call to action for Nigerians to put politics aside and support the government in its efforts to address the country's difficulties. He noted that Nigeria's democracy is based on the principle of 'We, the People', implying a collective responsibility that goes beyond those in authority. According to Kanu, the country's problems are a result of Nigerians' failure at various levels, both in and out of government.
Kanu faulted the three-day warning strike declared by the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) over demands that expired on September 30, 2026. He argued that the strike would involve additional government expenditure amid fiscal challenges. Instead, Kanu emphasized the need for Nigerians to focus on patriotism and the inculcation of good values to address the country's problems.
The New Deal chairman identified the failure to uphold basic values and principles as the root of Nigeria's problems. These values include integrity, honesty, respect, competence, compassion, accountability, and customer service. Kanu quoted former US President John F. Kennedy, urging Nigerians to put the country first and embrace integrity, discipline, competence, compassion, and patriotism.
Kanu emphasized that building the desired Nigeria is a collective responsibility that cannot rest solely on the shoulders of those in government. He quoted the US Constitution's preamble, "We, the People", to stress the need for collective action. According to Kanu, Nigerians must learn to tell themselves the truth and stop indulging in self-deception to move forward.
Kanu's message was a response to President Tinubu's anniversary speech, which he described as sincere and progressive. The President's speech acknowledged the country's past failures and appealed for collective effort to address its challenges. Kanu's call to action is an appeal to Nigerians to take ownership of their country's problems and work together to find solutions.
The New Deal chairman's emphasis on patriotism and collective responsibility is a renewed call to Nigerians to take responsibility for their country's development. He urged Nigerians to support the government in its efforts to address the country's challenges, rather than relying on politics and strikes. By working together, Kanu believes that Nigerians can build a better future for themselves and their country.
Key points
- Daniel Kanu calls on Nigerians to adopt patriotism and collective responsibility to address the nation's challenges.
- Kanu faults the three-day warning strike declared by the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) amid fiscal challenges.
- Kanu identifies the failure to uphold basic values and principles as the root of Nigeria's problems.
