Richard Romanus|1 October 2017
Today makes it exactly 57 years since Nigeria gained her independence. As usual, many Nigerians have composed the 'Happy Independence' messages they intend to send to their friends and love ones on this day. Many may have designed the independence flags and fliers to be used as their profile pictures on their various social media accounts. Others may have gone a step further by shopping for green white green dresses to adorn themselves in commemoration of the day.
Government at all level too are not left out as budgetary provisions may have been made for the successful celebration of the day, including the usual delivery of beautiful speeches.
Unfortunately, yours sincerely, belong to the school of thought that do not subscribe to the whole fanfare that usually comes with October 1 for obvious reasons.
What independence are we celebrating when Nigeria is still dependent on the west to take major political and economic decisions? What independence are we celebrating when Nigerians are still suffering all manner of dehumanization in various countries of the world because of the inability of successive administrations to make Nigeria attractive for Nigerians to live in and possibly get a good life? What independence are we celebrating when till date, overseas certificates are honoured more than our Nigeria certificates? What independence are we celebrating when an imported item is preferred over and above a Nigeria made? Above all, what independence are we celebrating when our President is the chief promoter of everything that has inhibited our country from attaining the position of a truly independent country? What independence I ask again?
I doubt it if this was the kind of independence heroes and heroines like, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Murtala Mohammed, Obafemi Awolowo, Margaret Ekpo and Anthony Enahoro etc fought and gave their lives for. It is sad that 57 years after Nigeria independence, we are yet to practice or exhibit the traits of a truly independent country.
If you ask me, even though successive administration's share in the blame of Nigeria's dependent independence, 57 years after, I think that the worse thing that ever happened to this country was the day the present APC administration headed by 'General' Muhammadu Buhari came on board two and half years ago.
I say this because, prior to their emergence, we had a country and a government that showed strength in the face of intimidations from Western nations especially on issues that borders on our cultural and traditional belief. For example, we had a government that vehemently stood it's ground in opposing attempts by some external forces to compel Nigeria to legalise gay marriage. What other attributes do you need, to know when a country is heading towards a truly independent nation other than this?
For me, enough of the fanfare. It is now time for the president and his administration to begin to adopt measures that would make Nigerians renew their hope for Nigeria. In case he does not know, recent events in the Country have further divided rather than unite us as a people. The President's 95/5% sharing of appointments on the basis of the region that gave him the highest number of votes and the one that did not, the obvious cluelessness and abysmal performance of the present administration, the heartless invasion of the South East and the bareface corruption and nepotism that is currently been witnessed in a government that promised Change give credence to my assertion.
Like the saying goes 'United we stand, divided we fall'. The unity of this country remains the best possible way to confront our external aggressors and enemies of our independence.
Happy dependent independence Nigerians.
Richard Romanus
Is a Social Commentator
