Nigeria's 63 years of independence and 60 years as a republic have been a paradox of existence. While there have been significant improvements in our democratic governance, our political system has continued to operate abysmally.
On 1 October, Nigeria celebrated its 63rd independence and 60 years as a republic. I say Nigeria and not Nigerians because active participation and celebration of the country’s independence has dwindled. In the past, Nigerians would recognize the day by wearing a touch of green and/or white while some would stick the flag on their cars. Such active celebration has waned and many only look forward to the day as another public holiday for an extra day of rest.
As if to further confirm how much Independence Day has lost its significance among Nigerians, on 26 September 2023, the Nigerian Labour Congress announced the commencement of a nationwide strike and threatened to shut down land and air operations from Monday, 2 October citing the government’s insensitivity to the sufferings of Nigerians as a result of the removal of petrol subsidy...
Every year, The Republic publishes the most ambitious writing focused on Africa, from news and analysis to long-form features.
To continue reading this article, Subscribe or Register for a Free Pass.
Already a subscriber? Log in.