Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, on Thursday urged Nigerians to be firm united with a common purpose of reclaiming the lost glory of the country among the comity of nations.

The governor made the call in his New Year message to Lagosians, wherein he noted that Nigeria has an innate greatness.

He said “This is the time for Nigerians to tap into that strength to change those things which, over the years, have made the country lose face in the comity of nations,”

“2015 is a year of destiny for Nigeria. It is a year when we must redraw the picture of failure and perceived inability to govern ourselves which we have, hitherto presented to the outside world. It is a year when we must endeavour to reclaim our glory.

“Our future greatness lies in our ability to move beyond rhetoric and practically rebrand our country and change the ugly picture that has unfortunately been presented to the world through the acts of very few of our countrymen who are in the minority.

 “It will also demonstrate our ability and willingness to extricate ourselves from exploitation and servitude. But most of all, our rightful use of our votes will demonstrate to the whole world that Nigeria has finally arrived to take her rightful place in the global community. We must not miss this chance. It may be our last.”

 “to keep other countries stable. Nigeria has led mostly from the front to bring political and economic stability to some nations, particularly in Africa.”

 The governor also supported the idea of free and fair election and orderliness are the only sufficient conditions that can reposition the country for greatness “to prove that she is ready for greatness. One important way the country could return to global reckoning is through free and fair elections this year.”

 “What is missing here is the orderliness which obedience to the tenets of the rule of law engenders in those countries. This begins with the ability of citizens of those climes to choose leaders of their choice,” the governor explained.