Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has expressed concerns that Nigerians cannot genuinely celebrate the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary. He stated that millions of citizens remain trapped in poverty, hunger, unemployment, and insecurity. In an Independence Day message posted on X, Sowore emphasized that Nigeria’s attainment of political independence from Britain in 1960 had yet to translate into freedom, dignity, justice, prosperity, and equality for millions of citizens.
Sowore noted that the annual commemoration of independence would remain largely symbolic unless Nigerians begin to experience the benefits and freedoms associated with genuine independence. He said, “Today, Nigeria marks 66 years since the Union Jack was lowered and our green-white-green flag was raised. But for millions of Nigerians, the fundamental promise of independence, freedom, dignity, prosperity, justice, and equality, remains unfulfilled.” This statement reflects the struggles of many Nigerians who are yet to reap the rewards of independence.
The AAC candidate decried the hardship confronting citizens across the country, making it difficult for many Nigerians to celebrate the anniversary amid worsening socio-economic challenges. He stated, “We cannot celebrate independence while our people are trapped in poverty, hunger, unemployment, insecurity, darkness, and hopelessness.” This sentiment is shared by many Nigerians who are facing difficult living conditions. Sowore also criticized the state of education, healthcare, and electricity supply in the country.
Sowore accused public officials of mismanaging and looting resources meant for citizens. He said, “We cannot call ourselves truly independent when our children are denied quality education, workers earn wages that cannot sustain their families, hospitals are collapsing, the paltry electricity that exists remains a luxury, and those entrusted with public resources loot with impunity.” This accusation highlights the need for better governance and accountability in the country.
Despite the challenges, Sowore maintained that Nigerians were not the cause of the country’s persistent challenges, describing them as hardworking, creative, and resilient. He said, “Nigeria’s problem is not its people. Nigerians are hardworking, creative, resilient, and extraordinarily resourceful.” This statement acknowledges the contributions and potential of Nigerians, emphasizing that the problems lie elsewhere.
Sowore argued that successive governments had failed to properly harness the nation’s vast human and natural resources for the benefit of the wider population. He stated, “The tragedy is that successive ruling establishments have squandered our enormous human and natural wealth while demanding endless sacrifices from those who have the least.” This criticism underscores the need for effective resource management and equitable distribution of wealth.
Sowore emphasized that Nigerians deserved more than Independence Day ceremonies and repeated political promises, stressing the need for equal rights, justice, and improved living conditions. He advocated for decent wages, quality education and healthcare, reliable electricity, and a safe environment for farmers and young people. Key points include:
Key points
- Nigerians are struggling with poverty, hunger, unemployment, and insecurity 66 years after independence.
- Successive governments have failed to harness the nation's resources for the benefit of the wider population.
- Nigerians deserve equal rights, justice, and improved living conditions, including decent wages and quality education.
