Shakiru Seidu, Publisher, MegaXpression Media, the Source of GENUINE Information.
61 years after independence, Nigeria, like a vehicle struggling to climb a hilly road, has yet to achieve its potential. Its large population of over 200 million has thus become a source of weakness, not strength. With mass unemployment and overstretching of inadequate and poorly maintained infrastructure, many Nigerians have had to seek their fortunes abroad, where did we get it WRONG?
Right from the time of amalgamation of the Lagos colony with the southern protectorate in 1906, to the historic amalgamation of Northern and Southern protectorates in 1914, giving birth to an entity called Nigeria, the journey of this Nation has been of ups and downs.
Then, the Nationalists struggled for the emancipation of Niger Area from the clutches of the British was such a fierce intellectual battle, devoid of rancorous and violent approach employed by some other nations to get theirs e.g South Africa. However, it is not to say that the independence was gotten on a platter as we were made to believe.
The roles of individuals like Herbert Macaulay, Zik of Africa, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, Mrs Funmilayo Kuti, Anthony Enahoro, Ernest Okoli, Bode Thomas, Oba Adesoji Aderemi, Michael Imoudu etc, in the struggle for Independence was no child's play. They suffered persecution, intimidation, arrests, yet they were undaunted.
Upon getting Independence, the political class got enmeshed in intra party wrangling and inter ethnic suspicion, leading to breakdown of law and order, which became the excuse for the 'Khaki Boys' to strike, just five years, three months, two weeks and one day into Independence. The military class dealt a severe blow to the nurturing of our democracy. They never gave the politicians the benefit of doubt in overseeing the affairs of this nation.
Unfortunately, the military dragged this Nation into a prolonged civil war. Though some other reasons may be adduced as the cause of the war but for me, it was just an ego issue between two officers that shutdown the country between 1967 and 1970. May we never witness such stupidity in this land again.
The nation paddled on, having military and civilian governments substituting one another, until 1999, when military rule became an aberration. Today, we're celebrating 61st Independence Day Anniversary and uninterrupted civilian rule in Nigeria since 1999.
What is happening NOW? Evil has taking over our Nation, thriving in our land because most of those in positions of leadership and the majority of the followers over the years have failed to do the needful, and unfortunately, no one is being held accountable.
Such issues as insecurity, ethnicism, the activities of Boko Haram and bandits, marginalisation in the scheme of things, corruption, mass unemployment, poverty, lack of good health care system, religious bigotry and fanaticism etc are leading the country in the direction of disintegration. We pray that this will not be the last to celebrate and that our country will continue to thrive.
However, this 61st independence anniversary of our dear country presents us with another opportunity to reason together and face the reality that all is not well with us. We must be brave enough to confront these challenges with honesty and objectivity.
Left to me, I believe perseverance, determination, steadfastness, resilience and doggedness of Nigerian masses are weathering the storm and keeping our dear Nation as an indivisible geographical space. Let things be done in a proper way for the benefit of all Nigerians.
Happy 61st Independence Day Celebration!
SHAKIRU SEIDU
Publisher, MegaXpression Media,
The Source of GENUINE Information.
08099799530.
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