Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, marked Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary by expressing concerns over the country's state of affairs. He stated that true independence remains incomplete without freedom, dignity, justice, and equality for citizens. Sowore argued that despite gaining independence from British colonial rule in 1960, millions of Nigerians have yet to enjoy the fundamental benefits associated with independence.
Sowore criticized the current state of the country, citing widespread poverty, hunger, unemployment, and insecurity. He said that many citizens continue to grapple with these challenges, making it impossible to genuinely celebrate independence. The human rights activist emphasized that the fundamental promise of independence, including freedom, dignity, prosperity, justice, and equality, remains unfulfilled for millions of Nigerians.
The activist also expressed disappointment with the state of education, healthcare, and electricity in the country. He accused those entrusted with public resources of misappropriation, stating that Nigerians are denied quality education, workers earn unsustainable wages, hospitals are collapsing, and electricity remains a luxury. Sowore maintained that Nigerians are not responsible for the challenges confronting the country, describing them as hardworking, creative, and resilient.
Sowore attributed the country's problems to successive governments' failure to adequately utilize Nigeria's human and natural resources. He stated that the tragedy is that ruling establishments have squandered the country's enormous wealth while demanding endless sacrifices from those who have the least. The activist emphasized that Nigerians deserve more than ceremonial celebrations and promises.
Sowore called for a country where workers can earn a living wage, access quality education and healthcare, and enjoy reliable electricity. He stated that citizens should enjoy equal rights and what he described as "revolutionary justice." The activist emphasized that the responsibility of his generation goes beyond celebrating the independence attained in 1960.
Sowore concluded by calling for genuine independence from corruption, oppression, poverty, injustice, ethnic manipulation, and religious bigotry. He emphasized that the task before the current generation is to build a Nigeria that serves all citizens, rather than a privileged section of the population. The activist urged for a country that is genuinely independent, not just from colonial rule, but from internal colonizers.
The African Action Congress presidential candidate ended his message by reiterating the need for a new Nigeria. He emphasized that citizens deserve a country where young people can build meaningful lives, farmers can work without fear, and no Nigerian is arrested, brutalized, or imprisoned simply for challenging those in power.
Key points
- Omoyele Sowore criticizes Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary, citing poverty, hunger, unemployment, and insecurity.
- Sowore calls for genuine independence from corruption, oppression, poverty, injustice, and ethnic manipulation.
- The activist emphasizes the need for a country that serves all citizens, rather than a privileged section of the population.
