At Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary, Leaders, Citizens Express Mixed Feelings

Our Correspondents

Nigerian leaders and citizens alike have continued to express mixed feelings on the state of the nation as Nigeria marks her 64th independence anniversary.

While the leaders generally expressed hope and optimism that things would change and improve with time, a majority of the citizens expressed despair, with some deciding to stage a protest today in expression of their frustration.

Oborevwori: Nigeria Will Surmount Her Present Challenges

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, congratulated Nigerians on the country’s 64th independence anniversary, but charged them to work in unity to surmount the economic and security challenges facing the country.

In a statement in Asaba by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, Oborevwori admonished Nigerians to work in unison, irrespective of political, religious and ethnic diversities, to ensure the country overcame its current challenges.

The governor, who sent felicitations to President Bola Tinubu, Deltans and other Nigerians on this year’s independence anniversary, urged the citizens to support the government’s efforts to salvage the country from insecurity and economic downturn.

He stated, “As a country, we have been privileged to enjoy uninterrupted democracy since 1999 and it is imperative we continue to work hard in building on the gains of the last 25 years of unbroken democratic rule.

“October 1st is a day to celebrate and pay tribute to our country men and women who sacrificed so that we can celebrate this day. We should never forget the sacrifices of our heroes past.

“At 64, Nigeria has come a long way, despite economic, security and political setbacks. It is important we remain strong, exercise patience and be of good faith in God and our nation’s leaders at this critical period of economic and security challenges.”

Bago: Problems Facing Nigeria Enormous but Surmountable

Niger State Governor, Alhaji Mohammed Bago, said the problems facing Nigeria “are enormous but surmountable”.

Bago made the remarks in a message to mark the 64th independence day of the country. He asked Nigerians to be prayerful for things to change for the better

“The nation is, indeed, going through a difficult time at the moment,” the governor stated.

He believed that the prevailing harsh economy, orchestrated by several factors, would soon be a thing of the past.

Bago encouraged the citizens to strengthen their faith in God, saying governments at all levels are making efforts to ameliorate their sufferings and stabilise the economy.

In the message by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, Bago said the federal and state governments were doing everything possible to improve the citizens’ condition of living.

Niger State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC), Comrade Abdulkhareem Lafene, commended the country’s founding fathers for the solid foundation they laid.

Alia: Benue’s Development My Priority

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, said the development and unity of the state remained his priority.

Represented by Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Deborah Aber Esq, Alia said he was determined to changing the fortunes of Benue through new socio-economic policies.

He stated, “I have prioritised staff welfare, basic infrastructure, pensions and gratuity, health, education, agriculture youth and women empowerment. I want Benue citizens to smile and remain proud for voting me in.

“My administration has been working tirelessly to bring sustainable development and strengthening the security agencies to ensure peace across the state.”

He stated that the 64th independence anniversary was an important celebration for Nigeria and Benue, and wished the country and state peace and harmony.

Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi and Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Benue State Chapter, Most Rev. Wilfred Anagbe, acknowledged the developmental strides of the government of Benue State under Alia, saying he symbolised independence to the people of Benue.

Mbah Seeks Inclusive National Economic Devt

Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, called on Nigerians, including political leaders across the country, to embrace unity and pursue inclusive national economic development for the common good of the nation.

Mbah made the call in a message to mark Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary. He described the country’s 64th anniversary as a milestone, adding that it is a testament to the resilient spirit of the people.

While underscoring the significant role of government in sustaining democracy, the governor stressed that the country could only thrive in an atmosphere of a sense of inclusion for everyone, with a deliberate effort to banish feelings of alienation.

“The message for us as a nation is to be united, to have an inclusive economic development, and I think that is where the economy of this country is headed,” Mbah added.

He expressed optimism that the country was making steady progress, though in a “piecemeal” manner, which he said needed an urgent review for a paradigm shift to leapfrog national development.

According to the governor, “We are making steady progress, although it may be piecemeal. Perhaps, what we need to review now is whether the marginal or incremental progress we are making is enough or whether we should obviously think about ways that we can deploy disruptive innovation to address some of the developmental challenges we are faced with.”

Obaseki: Let’s Recommit to Democracy

Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki enjoined the people of the state and Nigeria, in general, to recommit to the ideals of democracy.

Obaseki stated, “My dear good people of Edo State, I join you in marking Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day celebration, as we journey together on the path of building a strong, virile and prosperous nation.

“This is another day to celebrate our shared experience as compatriots of the world’s largest black nation, which has overtime defied all odds in reinventing itself and showcasing the indomitable spirit of its various peoples.

“As a nation, we have grown stronger, are more united and have trudged together to overcome threats to our nation. Today, at 64, we have much to be thankful for, in the face of daunting global headwinds that have rocked many nations.

“It is imperative to restate our commitment to democracy even in the face of pressures from different interests that seek to set us back.

“As we celebrate Nigeria’s Independence Day today, I urge you all to hold steadfastly to the belief in the assured prosperous future of our great state and the Nigerian nation, even as we all individually and collectively play our path in realising the noble vision of our founding fathers.”

Senators Appeal to Nigerians against Protest

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau; Senate Leader, Ope Bamidele; and Chairman, Committee on Appropriation, Solomon Adeola, among others, appealed to the citizens to shun protest.

They urged Nigerians to remain resolute in the promotion of national unity, support and prayers for the government to succeed in its efforts to turn around the country’s fortunes positively.

In his message, signed by his media aide, Ismail Mudashir, Barau appealed to promoters of the October 1 protest to shelve the idea, reiterating Tinubu’s commitment to reviving the economy and tackling insecurity and other challenges facing the country.

He stated, “As we celebrate the 64th independence anniversary – the liberty from colonial rule – we must remember the enormous sacrifices made by our founding fathers and recommit ourselves to the ideals they preached. At 64, we face some challenges as a country, but we will overcome them by God’s grace.

“We will come out stronger. Let’s continue to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in actualising his policies and programmes. He has good intentions for the country. We will get it right.”

Bamidele charged the leadership of the country at the various levels to tackle challenges undermining collective prosperity.

He said, “Nigeria has, indeed, come a long way, despite challenging and turbulent times she has gone through within these periods. Yet, we are a nation undergoing socio-economic and political transformation, which I believe, will soon bring forth desired outcomes.

“After 64 years of political independence and 110 years of corporate existence, onus now rests upon us all to focus our energy and intellect on what majorly unites us as a federation rather than what will further divide us along our ethno-political and religious fault lines.

“At this trying time, we must be deliberate to decisively address what easily divide us and heat up our polity in order to build a resilient federation that works for all.”

Senator Solomon Adeola (APC, Ogun West), in a statement said in spite of challenges facing the nation, particularly, in the area of socioeconomic development, Nigeria was moving ahead as a united indivisible nation.

The chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations called “on all Nigerians to be steadfast in prayer for the president, for peace, security and unity of purpose in the onerous task of nation building and development”.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Privatisation, Orji Kalu, described Nigerians as hardworking, resilient and patriotic, and urged the political class to use their positions to advance the cause of the people.

Kalu, while applauding efforts of the federal government in promoting nationhood, called on Nigerians to remain peaceful and united in their endeavours. He stressed that the heterogeneous nature of the country should be explored for positive gains.

The former governor of Abia State said, “In marking the 64th independence anniversary of Nigeria, I call on government at all levels to embrace pro-people policies in advancing the cause of the people. Nigeria has made tremendous progress in building and sustaining democracy, regardless of the country’s diversity.”

Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Sani Musa, commended Nigerians for their steadfastness and loyalty to the nation in the past 64 years.

Musa said the loyalty came in the face of the modest successes recorded and the development challenges the country had faced since independence.

He said the anniversary offered citizens and leaders of the country an opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s journey of nationhood since independence.

“Our country has seen progress as well as setbacks. Patriotic Nigerians, believing in their country, have always stood firm, sharing in the glory of successes and feeling the pain of missed opportunities,” he said.

Afenifere Urges Governments, Politicians to Improve on Security, People’s Welfare

Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organisation, Afenifere, called on government and political players to improve on security and people’s welfare as Nigeria marked her 64th independence anniversary.

Leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, in a statement signed by Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, said although the country was going through a challenging moment, there was need to acknowledge the modest progress made since independence.

He stated, “Mentioned in this respect were the fact that Nigeria remains as one country, in spite of the civil war that was fought as well as some other internal crises that have taken place in the last 64 years.

“This point is worthy of note when one remembers that some countries with which Nigeria took off around the same time have split into two or three.”

Fasoranti stressed, “Since this is the longest time that the democratic practice had not been broken for this long, it is worth acknowledging with a view to ensuring that it is sustained.”

PDP to Nigerians: Resist APC’s Totalitarianism, Exploitation

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) charged Nigerians to use the 2024 Independence Day anniversary to reawaken the spirit of nationalism in defence of democracy and national sovereignty against allegedly emerging totalitarianism being foisted on the country by All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement by PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the part told Nigerians not to surrender to the bullying tactics of the APC administration, which, he alleged, sought to undermine the constitution, emasculate citizens, compromise institutions of democracy, and turn Nigeria into a fiefdom, where APC leaders arrogantly carried on like lords and treat other citizens as conquered people.

PDP said the Independence Day celebration was not just about the symbolic marching at parade grounds, taking of salutes, inspection of guards, and making of speeches. The party said the day underscored the freedom of the citizens to express themselves, pursue legitimate endeavours, and freely participate in the process of choosing those who lead them through an unhindered expression of their will at elections.

Ologunagba stated, “The independence of a nation is embedded in the respect for the rule of law and constitutionally guaranteed rights of citizens by a transparent and responsible government that is democratically elected, answerable and committed only to the good of the people.

“Since its calamitous arrival in the Nigerian political space, the APC continues to barefacedly stifle these fundamentals of our nation’s independence.

“It is, therefore, an irony that the APC deludes itself that Nigerians should celebrate Independence, which essence has been completely diminished by the anti-people policies and programmes of the APC that have not only discounted the lives of citizens but also deprived them of the independence to legitimately pursue their endeavours and freely participate in governance.” 

Nigeria at Crossroads, Says LP

Labour Party (LP), yesterday, gave a damning verdict on the socio-political and economic situation in the country, and concluded the Nigeria was still at a crossroads.

LP gave the verdict at a news conference in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Addressing journalists on the state of the nation, in a message titled, “Nigeria At 64 Stands at A Crossroads: A Call On The President Tinubu to Save Nigerians from Poverty and Hunger,” LP Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Arabambi, said the president must act fast to rescue Nigerians from avoidable hardship.

Arabambi, who highlighted several problems bedevilling the country since independence, said Nigerian citizens were more impoverished than they were under the colonial powers.

Clark Advocates Independent Candidacy, Parliamentary System

Elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, advocated the participation of independent candidates in the electoral system and the need to revert to the parliamentary system of government.

Dismissing the current presidential system as faulty and prioritising wealth over the welfare of citizens, Clark, who spoke as a guest at Arise TV’s Morning Show, said, “The solution to all this is independent candidacy. The political system in Nigeria today is very faulty.

“Faulty in the sense that it has shifted power from the people’s hands into a class of people, and before you can get into that class, before you can get into it, you must have spent a lot of money. Therefore, money is the number one problem we have.

“To be in the class of the system that will improve the common man’s life, you must have spent a lot of money. And when you get there, the first thing you want to do is to recoup the money that you have spent. And then Nigeria finds itself that we are just moving in one circle and one circle alone.

“The common man is not getting the benefit of democracy. The rich are getting richer, and the politicians that are dominating all aspects of our lives. So we have to improve the system of governance.”

Address Rising Hunger, Out-of-School Children, Others, NAS Tasks FG

National Association of Seadogs, Pyrates confraternity, urged the federal government to take immediate economic action to alleviate suffering, particularly, rising hunger, in the country.

The group also emphasised the need for President Bola Tinubu to tackle the pervasive insecurity, poverty, bad roads, and out-of-school children.

In their Independence Day message, titled “Nigeria@64: Walking on Tightrope,” NAS, through its Capn, Dr Joseph Oteri, warned that the worsening economic conditions could trigger social unrest if left unaddressed.

It warned that arresting protesters and charging them with terrorism was not the solution to the problem. The statement observed that independence celebrations had become more muted, with Nigerians growing indifferent to the festivities.

It added that as promises of progress remained unfulfilled, disillusionment had become widespread.

Kwara Restricts Protest to Metropolitan Square

Kwara State Government yesterday disclosed that public protests of any kind in the state should only be held at the metropolitan square, Ilorin, in the interest of public order and safety.

The directive was not unconnected with the planned protest by some civil society organisations during the 64th independence anniversary in the state.

Already, security had been beefed up in Ilorin and other major cities of the state ahead of the celebrations.

A statement issued in Ilorin by Chief Judge of the State, Justice Abiodun Adebara, and signed by the press secretary at the Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Adesikeola Ajiboye, said the order was based on the ruling on an ex-parte motion filed and argued by the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Bar. Senior Ibrahim Sulyman.

Protest: NHRC Asks Security Agencies to Provide Adequate Protection for Protesters

National Humans Rights Commission (NHRC) urged security agencies to provide adequate protection for individuals exercising their right to protest.

The advice was given yesterday in Abuja following warnings by the government and security agencies against the planned protest against hardship by civil society organisations (CSOs).

Speaking at a press conference, Executive Secretary of NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, also urged the federal government to provide adequate security for the journalists that would be covering the protest.

Ojukwu asked the federal government to put in place a mechanism to hold security agencies accountable for any abuses committed during protests and warmed against any form of barriers during the protest.

He advised protesters to carry out their protest within the ambit of the law.

“We call on the federal and state governments to ensure that the October protests are peaceful and that the protesters are given the necessary support and leverage to conduct themselves in civilised manner, including protecting them from counter-protesters and mobs.”

Take-It-Back Movement Unveils Time, Convergence Points in Lagos, Rivers, Others

The organisers of the #FearlessInOctober protests have released the time and convergence venues for the event scheduled to commence on October 1, 2024 until the demands of the protesters were resolved.

The organisers said the nationwide protests aimed to highlight the pressing issues of hunger and economic hardship, and draw the attention of the President Bola Tinubu administration to the plight of Nigerians as a result of its policies.

Take-It-Back Movement, in a tweet on its X handle on Monday, stated that Lagos State’s protesters were to gather at Ikeja Under Bridge at 7:30 am. It said the convergence point for protesters in Rivers State was Pleasure Park, Port Harcourt, with participants asked to assemble by 7:30 am.

Borno State’s protesters will converge at the Arewa Youth for Peace Office, located on Damaturu Road, with a starting time of 8am. In Yobe State, the venue was Damaturu Main Roundabout, opposite the Old Motor Park to Maiduguri Road, and protesters were expected arrive by 8am.

The location for Kwara State was Ilorin Post Office Under-bridge and protesters were expected to be there by 8am.

RULAAC Warns against Military Deployment

Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) sounded a warning against the deployment of military personnel by the federal government to quell anticipated protests today.

RULAAC’s Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, in a statement, said, “The planned peaceful protests in Nigeria on October 1, 2024, highlight important aspects of civic engagement and constitutional rights.

“Peaceful protests are a fundamental civic responsibility and constitutional right for citizens to express their views and hold authorities accountable.

“The deployment of police to ensure safety and order during protests is appropriate. Their presence can help prevent violence and protect participants from potential threats. However, there are concerns regarding the DHQ’s plan to deploy the military.

“The use of the military in civilian protest settings can be deemed excessive and unnecessary. It may evoke fear and create an atmosphere of intimidation, which undermines citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and expression.”

IGP Orders Heavy Deployment of Human, Tactical Resources

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun ordered water-tight security across the country to create a safe and conducive environment for citizens to celebrate the country’s 64th independence anniversary.

Egbetokun also ordered the deployment of adequate human and tactical resources to provide a maximum level of security for the independence celebration, as part of his comprehensive plan to ensure a seamless celebration.

A statement by Force Public Relations Officer (PRO) Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the police, in synergy with other security agencies, will fortify various designated event venues and the major highways across the country, to forestall any threats to lives and property and the celebration.

Egbetokun also directed all personnel deployed for various operations during the celebrations to be courteous and firm in their engagements with the public.

He felicitated with Nigerians as they commemorated independence anniversary.

Kano State Police Command warned about the planned nationwide protest, saying it is capable of causing trouble during the independence celebration in the state.

Commissioner of Police Mr. Salman Dogo, in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police (SP) Haruna Kiyawa, said the command had concluded necessary arrangements to ensure hitch free activities during the celebration

PSC Calls on Citizens to Support President Tinubu to Reposition Nigeria

Police Service Commission (PSC) called on citizens to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration as he worked to reposition and reengineer the country out of the current economic challenges.

The commission called for a renewed faith in the greatness of the country, as Nigeria celebrated its 64th year of nationhood.

A statement by Head, Press and Public Relations at PSC, Ikechukwu Ani, said Chairman of PSC, Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Hashimu Argungu, demanded patriotism and sacrifice from the staff of the commission and police officers, whom he admonished to have a sense of pride for belonging to a great and promising country.

Argungu urged Nigerians to remember the sacrifices of “our heroes past and renew our faith in a united and progressive nation bound by love and oneness, a nation with limitless opportunities and possibilities”.

He said Nigerians had no reason to despair, insisting that the country is on the rise again.

NSCDC Deploys 3,500 Men in FCT, 800 in Ekiti

Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) deployed 3,500 personnel to provide security in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) during the 64th independence anniversary, anticipating it may be greeted with protest today.

A statement by the spokesman of NSCDC, FCT Command, Samuel A Idoko, read, “The deployment is to ensure public safety, protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, protection of public and private properties and ensure that there is no form of unrest in the Federal Capital during the celebrations.”

Idoko also disclosed that the command deployed special squads, including Armed Squad, Special Crack Squad (operation Adaka-su), Female Strike Force, Anti-Counter Terrorism Squad, Agro Rangers, and undercover personnel.

NSCDC said no fewer than 800 officers and men were deployed across Ekiti State to ensure safety of lives and property. Commandant, Ekiti State Command, Mr Paul Sosina, who disclosed this in a chat with THISDAY in Ado-Ekiti, warned criminals and those with criminal tendencies to steer clear of the state.