POLITICIANS, SCHOLARS, CLERICS, TRADITIONAL RULERS AND CITIZENS REACT AS NIGERIA MARKS 59TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY

Nigeria Tuesday celebrates her fifty-ninth independence anniversary.

The country got its self rule from the British colonialists on the first of October 1960 through the efforts of great nationalists, who exhibited commitment and selflessness in the struggle for the country’s emancipation. In this special report, Radio Nigeria samples the opinion of residents of Enugu and they express mixed feelings on the journey so far. The unacceptable policies of the colonial administrations prompted the agitation for independence by Nigeria’s founding fathers, including the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Sir Tafawa Balewa.
The nationalists presented a united front in the struggle, irrespective of tribe and religious background and were able to unify the country before taking over the mantle of leadership.

Successive governments over the years introduced policies and programmes geared towards promoting the wellbeing of the people.
There has also been a massive infrastructural development in terms of road network, rail tracks, healthcare facilities, schools, electricity supply and a lot more than the number the nation had at independence. Now it’s fifty-nine years down the line and the question is how has the journey been so far?
Some residents of Enugu, Mr. Chinedu Aroh, Mr. Ejike Ajabah and Mrs. Amarachi Chukwuebuka say Nigerians have cause to celebrate at 59 for the fact that she has remained a united entity despite all odds. They call for the creation of job opportunities for the youths to reduce the rate of migration to other countries in search of greener pastures. A Professor of Public administration, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Emma Chukwuemeka, advocates a shift of emphasis on ethnicity for sustainable peace and unity in the country.

Professor Chukwuemeka, who decried the high level of infrastructural decay in the polity, stresses the need for revitalization of moribund industries to create jobs and wealth. An elder statesman and a one-time Commissioner for Education in the old Anambra State, Chief Nduka Eya, says the security challenges in the country has huge negative impact on the country’s growth and development. Chief Eya enjoins the leaders to prioritize the provision of good governance to the people, which according to him can only be visible through building of institutions rather than individuals.
Also a former Vice President Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Fidelis Edeh, expresses disappointment that at fifty-nine, Nigerian workers are still not well remunerated despite the contributions to the socio-economic and political growth of the nation.

It is the belief of the respondents that Nigeria has come of age and should effectively harness its abundant natural and human resources to take the pride of place as the giant of Africa. Meanwhile, some respondents in Anambra State are of the opinion that the greatest achievement of Nigeria is the ability of different ethnic people in the country to be together despite differences in religion, culture and other affiliations.
One of the respondents, Professor Obiekwe Nwanolue of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu University, Igbariam, says the nation’s economy is not yet stable as the citizens do not find life easy. Professor Nwanolue expresses belief that the newly inaugurated economic team by the present administration will be able to turn around the economy as soon as possible.

The member representing Orumba North Constituency, Mr. Emeka Afrorka, says the condition of roads in the country calls for a serious concern, especially in the South-East. Dr. Pete Ibida, member representing Njikoka II Constituency identifies insecurity as one of the major challenges facing the country and calls for serious action as many lives and property have been lost. Similarly, the Methodist Archbishop of Enugu, the Most Reverend Christopher Edeh, wants leaders to shun greed, nepotism and work in unity for the development of the country. The Most Reverend Edeh, who spoke on the country’s fifty-ninth independence anniversary encouraged government to provide the enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

Archbishop Edeh, who condemns high level of corruption in the country and admonishes people to shun evil, also prays for peace in the country.
Also, the Chairman, Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Lawrence Agubuzu while commenting of Nigeria’s Independence anniversary, advises Nigerians to be committed to the unity of the country. Igwe Agubuzu, who is also the traditional ruler of Ezema Olo in Ezeagu Local Government Area, decries the poor state of infrastructure in the South-East and calls on political leaders to complete abandoned projects in the country. Igwe Agubuzu also encouraged leaders to place security topmost on their agenda.

OBINNA OGBUKA, KEVIN EKEDIEGWU, EMMANUEL TEWASE & OKECHUKWU EZEONA

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