Gbenga  Ashafa

Gboyega Akinsanmi

Spokesman of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN} in the Senators’ Caucus, Sen. Gbenga  Ashafa ,has canvassed a candid and honest re-appraisal of diverse socio-economic challenges confronting Nigeria, saying such an effort could yield positive outcomes, which he said, could help rebuild the country.

The lawmaker, who is representing Lagos East Senatorial District, gave the advice at the weekend while flagging off his back-to-school project in Bariga, Lagos, noting that it was not enough to always admit that the country “is in a terrible mess during every independence anniversary.”

According to Ashafa, “The 52nd anniversary indeed  calls for re-awakening  among our leaders to sit back in deep reflection, take stock of what has really been going on in our fatherland and carry out an honest and candid appraisal of our situation. This will assist to know where we have gone wrong and what we should do. “We must admit that we are in a mess and not by making nostalgic and inspirational speeches on every October 1 about the labours of our heroes past, pat each other on the back and congratulate one another on our independence. I therefore agree with most Nigerians that there is nothing to celebrate.” The lawmaker however  urged the people of Nigeria at home and in the Diasporas to keep hope alive amid daunting challenges, which he said, at various times threatened the country’s economic progress, social cohesion and political stability.

On the back-to-school project, the lawmaker explained that it was expedient to support the people at the grassroots, especially the young pupils and students with the necessary educational materials that could boost their learning.