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As Nigeria marks its 64th independence anniversary, leaders express optimism for change, while citizens voice despair, prompting protests amid hardships.
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 on Tuesday 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.
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.
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
The Labour Party (LP), on Monday, 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.
Address Rising Hunger, Out-of-School Children, Others, NAS Tasks FG
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 on Tuesday.
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.
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