Efio-Ita Nyok|1 October 2016
Today, 1 October year in and out is celebrated as Independence Day being the day Nigeria officially became free to independently manage her socio-economic, socio-political, and socio-cultural affairs as well as any other thing incidental to it as a sovereign nation.
Over five decades ago, precisely on 1st October 1960 (56 years now), the political grip of Britain on Nigeria was laid to rest. So, every 1st October in Nigeria is marked as Independence Day reminiscent of 1960.
Albeit, the question is, is Nigeria actually independent? Are we independent economically? Are Nigerians independent politically? Is Nigeria free culturally and in any other sphere incidental to these triune features. Economically, can this country produce goods and services by herself? Do we have a sui generis method of distributing scarce wealth resources? Don't we still import basic things as toothpick? Toothpick!… Politically, do we have a political system of governance that is unique to us as Nigeria? Even if we were to practice democracy, what is the 'Nigerianese' in our democracy? Culturally, is our total way of life as Nigerians, total to us or traceable to foreigners? Are we free?
The concerns raised in the penultimate paragraph underscores the prevailing sentiment Cross River-born, Atlanta-based social commentator, Princewill Odidi, when he asked, 'are we truly independent?'
Odidi observes that, 'When we say a man is independent it means he can make his own food,(agriculture ) go to school himself, (education) live in his own house, (housing) marry his own wife, (family) operate a good bank account (income) have enough to give to others, and being able to defend his household against intruders ( defense )'.
Having made the above prelude, Odidi ask, 'Nigeria at 56, are we truly independent?' 'If yes, happy Independence Day'.
Efio-Ita Nyok
Is a Blogger & the Editor of NegroidHaven.org
