62nd Independence Anniversary in Nigeria

As Nigeria celebrates the 62^nd Independence anniversary of attainment of self-ruled from Britain on 1^st October 1960, then Nigerian Naval Seaman Rating late Salaudeen Akano, lowered the colonialist Union Jack and our national pride flag was hosted. Ordinary Seaman Akano later got Presidential commissioned into the Executive Seaman branch and retired as Naval Commodore. Over the years, we all soberly see the agonies and failures of the political elites who held power since first Freedom Day. The state’s duly duty is to provide dividend of good governance to the peoples failed due to poor governance that exists all the time in the form of corruption at all levels of administrations. Since Nigeria Independence has a history of violence politics and instability this has greatly affected our political system.

Infact, after the regional government till date no good governance by subsequent government in power, Coups d’état followed by counters coups and the worst is the present authority of President Mohammed Buhari were the level of violence since 2015 increased tremendously; ethnic politics, insecurity, killing and massacred of unarmed civilians in communities by unknown gunmen presumed to be jihadist herdsmen nationwide and keep underdeveloped the nation called Nigeria, the most populated black nation on earth and rich with different natural resources, but the most worrisome no part of the country is safe. The Academic Staff Union of Universities ASUU strike for almost 8 months and imminent economic collapse that Nigeria is facing because of abuse and mismanagement by those at the saddle of power. It is the right of every individual to get adequate education. Education greatly provides every one knowledge and wisdom and helps reduce poverty and improves quality of one’s living in Nigeria almost is a different approach by the government. It is highly regrettable by all disciples of good governance. Government should sincerely negotiate with ASUU to call off the strike.

What we have been witnessing is chaos, the elite political class they failed the nation and overtime, which is a big threat to life, stability, and development of our beloved country.

Government must take urgent steps to rectify the economic situation and ensure good governance because majority of the nation electorate are living in abject poverty and see; 62 Independence Day as nothing to celebrate.

The ACP led government the remaining few months they should endeavor and work for the development and welfare of the country before 2023 general elections.

Democracy can only exist in places where people, the electorates are free to choose those who ruled them and not ethnic political champion, these current developments a huge bad precedent and have put lover of democracy into a state of uncertainties and to undeveloped the people. But in Democracy, it is also very important that it’s rules of democratic tenets be respected by all concerned and that no one should be able to use universal suffrage to gain power and then deprive others of access to power.

Year 2023 is general elections in Nigeria our nation needs major surgery by voting out the corrupt and failed ethnic politicians, so that looter and plunder of the nation’s wealth at the highest level will be seriously checked and voted in credible candidates, that will administer and maintain good governance for the stability and development. 2023 is a good year for change.

Nigeria is aged, so where does Nigeria stand today in world politics, bad governance and for sustaining democracy those in elected authority should put the welfare of the people, the electorate first and where all the citizenries would have an equal right in every state, accountability and overhaul of weak state institutions and strengthen political culture accordingly. But now, Nigeria neither a democratic welfare state nor country of good governance. However, our celebrations, spirit of patriotism and nationalism are low as we celebrate the day. The country is sinking. The leadership in saddle of power and all the entire citizens of our beloved nation Nigeria in spirit of patriotism and genuineness should unite to save it from total disaster due to seed of ethnic tribalism among six geo-political regions who had decisive struggle together to free themselves from the clutches of the former colonial master and will be happy to celebrate national day joyful.

Jinbobaraye Karibo-Nelson, JP, SCIPM, FECRMI,

A Social Commentator, Opinion Columnist, Security Analyst, an Alumni of University of Port Harcourt, a Senior Member Chartered Institute of Public Management Nigeria, Fellow Emergency, Crisis and Risk Management Institute of Nigeria, Member International NGO Safety and Security Association (INSSA) and Member Nigerian Legion.

Nigeria writes from Ogu Town, Rivers State, Port Harcourt via [email protected] , www.karibonelson.com