Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day: Leaders Urge Unity While Citizens Plan Protest Over 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.

“At 64, Nigeria has come a long way, despite economic, security and political setbacks. It is important we remain strong, exercise patience and be of good faith in God and our nation’s leaders at this critical period of economic and security challenges.”

Bago: Problems Facing Nigeria Enormous but Surmountable

Niger State Governor, Alhaji Mohammed Bago, said the problems facing Nigeria “are enormous but surmountable”.

Bago made the remarks in a message to mark the 64th independence day of the country. He asked Nigerians to be prayerful for things to change for the better

“The nation is, indeed, going through a difficult time at the moment,” the governor stated.

He believed that the prevailing harsh economy, orchestrated by several factors, would soon be a thing of the past.

Bago encouraged the citizens to strengthen their faith in God, saying governments at all levels are making efforts to ameliorate their sufferings and stabilise the economy.

In the message by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, Bago said the federal and state governments were doing everything possible to improve the citizens’ condition of living.

Niger State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC), Comrade Abdulkhareem Lafene, commended the country’s founding fathers for the solid foundation they laid.

Alia: Benue’s Development My Priority

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, said the development and unity of the state remained his priority.

Represented by Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Deborah Aber Esq, Alia said he was determined to change the fortunes of Benue through new socio-economic policies.

He stated, “I have prioritised staff welfare, basic infrastructure, pensions and gratuity, health, education, agriculture youth and women empowerment. I want Benue citizens to smile and remain proud for voting me in.

“My administration has been working tirelessly to bring sustainable development and strengthening the security agencies to ensure peace across the state.”

He stated that the 64th independence anniversary was an important celebration for Nigeria and Benue, and wished the country and state peace and harmony.

Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi and Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Benue State Chapter, Most Rev. Wilfred Anagbe, acknowledged the developmental strides of the government of Benue State under Alia, saying he symbolised independence to the people of Benue.

Mbah Seeks Inclusive National Economic Devt

Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, called on Nigerians, including political leaders across the country, to embrace unity and pursue inclusive national economic development for the common good of the nation.

Mbah made the call in a message to mark Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary. He described the country’s 64th anniversary as a milestone, adding that it is a testament to the resilient spirit of the people.

While underscoring the significant role of government in sustaining democracy, the governor stressed that the country could only thrive in an atmosphere of a sense of inclusion for everyone, with a deliberate effort to banish feelings of alienation.

Obaseki: Let’s Recommit to Democracy

Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki enjoined the people of the state and Nigeria, in general, to recommit to the ideals of democracy.

Obaseki stated, “My dear good people of Edo State, I join you in marking Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day celebration, as we journey together on the path of building a strong, virile and prosperous nation.

“This is another day to celebrate our shared experience as compatriots of the world’s largest black nation, which has overtime defied all odds in reinventing itself and showcasing the indomitable spirit of its various peoples.

“As a nation, we have grown stronger, are more united and have trudged together to overcome threats to our nation. Today, at 64, we have much to be thankful for, in the face of daunting global headwinds that have rocked many nations.

“It is imperative to restate our commitment to democracy even in the face of pressures from different interests that seek to set us back.

“As we celebrate Nigeria’s Independence Day today, I urge you all to hold steadfastly to the belief in the assured prosperous future of our great state and the Nigerian nation, even as we all individually and collectively play our part in realising the noble vision of our founding fathers.”

Senators Appeal to Nigerians against Protest

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau; Senate Leader, Ope Bamidele; and Chairman, Committee on Appropriation, Solomon Adeola, among others, the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Bar. Senior Ibrahim Sulyman.

Protest: NHRC Asks Security Agencies to Provide Adequate Protection for Protesters

The National Humans Rights Commission (NHRC) urged security agencies to provide adequate protection for individuals exercising their right to protest.

The advice was given on Monday in Abuja following warnings by the government and security agencies against the planned protest against hardship by civil society organisations (CSOs).

Speaking at a press conference, Executive Secretary of NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, also urged the federal government to provide adequate security for the journalists that would be covering the protest.

Ojukwu asked the federal government to put in place a mechanism to hold security agencies accountable for any abuses committed during protests and warned against any form of barriers during the protest.

He advised protesters to carry out their protest within the ambit of the law.

“Take It-Back Movement Unveils Time, Convergence Points in Lagos, Rivers, Others

The organizers of the #FearlessInOctober protests have released the time and convergence venues for the event scheduled to commence on October 1, 2024 until the demands of the protesters were resolved.

The organizers said the nationwide protests aimed to highlight the pressing issues of hunger and economic hardship, and draw the attention of the President Bola Tinubu administration to the plight of Nigerians as a result of its policies.

Take-It-Back Movement, in a tweet on its X handle on Monday, stated that Lagos State’s protesters were to gather at Ikeja Under Bridge at 7:30 am. It said the convergence point for protesters in Rivers State was Pleasure Park, Port Harcourt, with participants asked to assemble by 7:30 am.

RULAAC Warns against Military Deployment

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) sounded a warning against the deployment of military personnel by the federal government to quell anticipated protests on Tuesday.

RULAAC’s Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, in a statement, said, “The planned peaceful protests in Nigeria on October 1, 2024, highlight important aspects of civic engagement and constitutional rights.

“Peaceful protests are a fundamental civic responsibility and constitutional right for citizens to express their views and hold authorities accountable.

“The deployment of police to ensure safety and order during protests is appropriate. Their presence can help prevent violence and protect participants from potential threats. However, there are concerns regarding the DHQ’s plan to deploy the military.

“The use of the military in civilian protest settings can be deemed excessive and unnecessary. It may evoke fear and create an atmosphere of intimidation, which undermines citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and expression.”

IGP Orders Heavy Deployment of Human, Tactical Resources

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun ordered water-tight security across the country to create a safe and conducive environment for citizens to celebrate the country’s 64th independence anniversary.

Egbetokun also ordered the deployment of adequate human and tactical resources to provide a maximum level of security for the independence celebration, as part of his comprehensive plan to ensure a seamless celebration.

A statement by Force Public Relations Officer (PRO) Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the police, in synergy with other security agencies, will fortify various designated event venues and the major highways across the country, to forestall any threats to lives and property and the celebration.

Egbetokun also directed all personnel deployed for various operations during the celebrations to be courteous and firm in their engagements with the public.

He felicitated with Nigerians as they commemorated their independence anniversary.

Kano State Police Command warned about the planned nationwide protest, saying it is capable of causing trouble during the independence celebration in the state.

Commissioner of Police Mr. Salman Dogo, in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police (SP) Haruna Kiyawa, said the command had concluded necessary arrangements to ensure hitch free activities during the celebration.

PSC Calls on Citizens to Support President Tinubu to Reposition Nigeria

Police Service Commission (PSC) called on citizens to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration as he worked to reposition and reengineer the country out of the current economic challenges.

The commission called for a renewed faith in the greatness of the country, as Nigeria celebrated its 64th year of nationhood.

A statement by Head, Press and Public Relations at PSC, Ikechukwu Ani, said Chairman of PSC, Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Hashimu Argungu, demanded patriotism and sacrifice from the staff of the commission and police officers, whom he admonished to have a sense of pride for belonging to a great and promising country.

Argungu urged Nigerians to 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.

What do you think about the current state of the nation? What changes would you like to see implemented to improve our economy and security?