NIGERIA (Ebonyi) – Governor Martins Elechi of Ebonyi State has said that Nigeria should be grateful to God for series of achievements recorded since amalgamation in 1914.

Governor Elechi made this declaration yesterday at the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, after concluding a meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan.

 “As a nation we have faired well, we are so populous, so heterogeneous, ethnic diversity and religious multiplicity, is not easy to galvanise such a body into a smooth organisation, called the government or a country.

“So far, we have been passing through challenges. These challenges of development, poverty, illiteracy but if you think of where we were even 50 years ago not to talk of 100 years ago, compare that to where we are today, we have every reason to give thanks to God. We have done well,” he said.

The governor also urged Nigerians to remain steadfast and patient to face the challenges ahead, adding that even developed nations have challenges hence the reason why we should not always believe it would be a bed of roses.

 “Nigeria economy is now surpassing South Africa in spite of all the challenges we have within and democracy is waxing.

“Don’t mind all the noise being made by the opposition, that is their only weapon, to frighten the people and give the impression that they are better. They are getting nowhere. So I am happy with the state of affairs and I believe we will make more progress”, he said.

On his alleged opposition to the proposed National Conference, governor Elechi accused the opposition of spreading the rumour so as to create friction between him and the presidency.

“These are people who know me well and know what I stand for. So I am not distracted by such organised attempt by the opposition to bring friction between me and the establishment. They won’t succeed we are all for the National Conference.

“And for those who don’t know, I led my state to the national political reform conference of 2005, I know the benefits accruing from it. Sometimes because of our inability to express ourselves properly, people don’t really capture what we say, go about misquoting or are actually mischievous, I can’t be against that” he said.