Governor Kayode Fayemi has urged Nigerians to look ahead for “another Nigeria” devoid of constant violence, corrupt public officials, and self-serving governors while admitting that the ruling All Progressives Congress is a platform, not an “organic party.”

He explained, “Another Nigeria, a better Nigeria, a more united Nigeria that we can all stand up for and be proud of, is ahead of us.

“We all play a critical role for the ties we all have; we still have a long way to go. It is a journey, not a destination.

“In that journey, we will always find undulating lands, valleys, hills, and potholes, but ultimately, what is important is to just continue on the journey.”

Mr Fayemi stated this in Abuja at a reception organised by the Ekiti caucus in the House of Representatives to mark his 56th birthday.

But Mr Fayemi said everyone had a role to play to make Nigeria a greater nation.

“I know that God, in His infinite mercy, will help us overcome these challenging times; we must continue to strengthen the ties that bind our country, and these are ties that predated colonialism.

“In spite of the challenges, Nigeria will triumph,” he added.

Continuing, he noted, “We all have to put our hands on the trough and make sure that whatever we can do in our own corner to strengthen the bond, to bridge the gap, to be purveyors of peacebuilding, we contribute it because it is little acorns that become tall oaks.

“We all light candles, one candle lights another, and another lights the other and so on, and the light shines perpetually.”

He was, however, concerned about the make-up of the APC, admitting, “For us, it is not just about party, but about ideals and ideas on what will make a difference to our people.”

He stated further, “Either of the two major parties (APC and PDP), we are not there yet.

“We are still platforms. We are not organic yet, and what we need is organic parties that speak to the yearnings of our people.”

Mr Fayemi noted that he was touched by the Ekiti lawmakers’ generous spirit demonstrated.

“It has been a long struggle; even when things appeared to be unsteady, they were steadfast and focused and determined that the progressive return and our work be such that we will continue to maintain our grip on our state.”

(NAN)