As Nigeria celebrates its 64th independence anniversary, Senator Karimi Sunday, the Chairman of Senate Services and representative of Kogi West Senatorial District, has emphasized the need for a collective approach to addressing the nation’s challenges. In an interview with Tribune Online, Sen. Karimi stressed that the responsibility of building a prosperous Nigeria lies not only with the Federal Government but also with state governments and the citizens themselves.
According to the senator, for Nigeria to attain its full potential in industrial, economic, and socio-political advancement, all stakeholders must work in synergy. He urged Nigerians to believe in their country and in their ability to drive the nation forward, rather than simply lamenting or shifting blame onto the federal government.
Karimi highlighted the need for citizens to acknowledge their role in the country's development, particularly when it comes to corruption. He pointed out that while the government may put the right policies in place, it is often individuals within society who frustrate these efforts. It’s beyond complaining. We all have to do our best, Karimi said, calling for a holistic approach to solving Nigeria’s problems, with a focus on collective commitment.
He also criticized the lack of accountability at the state level, questioning whether state governments are truly performing their responsibilities with the funds they receive. Karimi noted that while much attention is given to the federal government, the actions or inactions of state governments often go unchecked. Do we have a semblance of democracy and development in our states,Even the states, are they performing their responsibilities with the allocations they receive ,he asked.
Senator Karimi further urged Nigerians to adopt a more constructive approach toward government policies. He acknowledged that while certain policies, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the Naira, have brought hardship, he called for patience, assuring that the rewards of these tough decisions would soon materialize.
Yes, at 64, we are not where we should be, he admitted. But if we are not in a better place now, are we going to kill ourselves. We shouldn’t continue to try, He concluded by encouraging citizens to give the new government a chance and work together to find genuine solutions to the country’s problems.
As Nigeria looks to the future, Karimi's message is clear: progress will come only through unity, patience, and a shared commitment to the nation's development.