Abuja – Prof. Ahmed Alkali, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, has asked Nigerians not to align themselves with some opposition groups, whom he alleged were bent on creating division among the people.

Alkali gave the advice on Saturday in Abuja in an interview on the nation’s 51st independence anniversary.

He said the call had become imperative in view of the fact that no society or country could develop in an atmosphere of social unrest.

Alkali, therefore, enjoined all Nigerians to continue to work hard and to pray for the general progress of the country.

“We want all Nigerians to continue to pray for our country and work hard to make this country one of the greatest not only in Africa, but in the whole world.

“Our people are hard working, our people are dedicated, our people are resilience and our people are patriotic.

“So, we should avoid aligning ourselves and falling into the hands of people, who call themselves the opposition to create division in the country. Everybody is important in this country.”

He assured Nigerians that the PDP would deliver on its electoral promises and prayed for God’s favour on Nigeria and Nigerians.

Also speaking to NAN on the anniversary, the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, dismissed insinuation that Nigerians had nothing to celebrate as the nation marked its 51st independence anniversary.

“We have done a lot to warrant our celebration. But one thing is that most people don’t know that as Nigerians, we celebrate Nigeria every day.

“It is just symbolic that people gather every Oct. 1 to do march past, parades and others and celebrate,’’ he said.

Wogu said that the present administration believed in the continuous celebration of Nigeria, its greatness, its ideals and programmes.

“The Transformation Agenda is what Nigerians should celebrate every day and that is what we are celebrating.”

The minister noted with delight that the ongoing industrial action in some states of the federation did not in any way affect the anniversary celebration.

He commended the labour unions across the country for the way and manner they handled the issue of the implementation of the N18,000 national minimum wage by the three tiers of government. (NAN)