Nigeria’s Independence, Ripples, Checks And Balances

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1st October, is celebrated in Nigeria as the anniversary of the day 1960 when Nigerians declared themselves independent of British colonization, branded also as the time when a country gains freedom from political control by another country.

However, Nigerians have acknowledged the fact that the solemn quest for our independence was politically motivated, it has granted us the freedom to set up policies, make decisions and organize citizenry without needing help or depending completely on other country’s constitution.

By this singular act our constitution has made us indivisible entity bind by law and has enabled our government evolved from the colonial administration to the military dictatorship and at the moment a legitimate democratic nation spanned for 16years.

It is relatable to note that Nigeria was amalgamated in 1914 by Fedrick Lord Lugard and was made an independent state in 1960.It has stood firm as a democratic nation since May 29, 1999 and agreeably time barged a sum totality of 101years amalgamation, 55years independence and 16years democracy.

It is obvious the road to such a reasonable age is not a sudden flight. Hence there are numerous ripples flooding its government, there are checks and balances and proves that Nigerians challenges are quiet surmountable.

I can keep in mind the wee days of Sir Tafawa Belewa, history has it that he was the first prime minister of Nigeria having served as minister of works and later minister of transport. He was overthrown and killed in a military coup of January 15, 1966. His body was discovered by a roadside near Lagos, six days after he was ousted from office Belewa was buried in Bauchi. Good are those days sacrifices are rewarded. He paid the sacrifice of service and awas rewarded the Abubakar Tafawa Belewa University which was built in his honor likewise others, who paid the ultimate prize for humanity.

Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, one of the leading figures of Nigerian nationalism and a leading light of journalism in Africa carved a niche for himself all through his days as a leader, he was elected into the legislative council of Nigeria and he became the 1st senate president which was more or less a ceremonial president 1960. He was born on November 16, 1904 and died in 1996.

Political leaders under president Buhari are expected to lead by good examples, conceivably such names like Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Premier Michael Okpara’s square, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife and many other statues built in their honor, people who have distinguished themselves at various capacities were rewarded accordingly.

Besides, whenever we see great sages like our lord Jesus Christ, Krishna, Prophet Mohammed,Swami Prabu Badah, Abd-ru-shin and maybe lord Budha, we would always deserve to be like them. Personalities like, Nelson Madiba Mandela, Roosevelt the American cowboy president, Martin Luther King Jr., Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi of India , Rosa path of America, are good examples to be emulated.

People like Dr. Dora Akunyili, Chimamanda Adichie, Philip Emegwala, Gani Fahwihimi are forever living examples of repute.

These great personalities like you and I are fellow human individuals who have sacrificed in many ways to be great. Alas, it takes courage, determination, perseverance knowledge and sacrifice to attain greatness just as an individual or a country like Nigeria could achieve.

Salus Populi supreme lex is a Latin maxin, translated the welfare of the people shall be the supreme law but regrettably majority of Nigerians celebrating independence are not ready to sacrifice for each others’ welfare. Sequences of leaders so to say have shown the electorates that they are not ready to pay such prizes accruable for proclaiming a quality welfare and prompt service delivery needed. At least, Boko Haram insurgency is reducing, petrol sold at N87 per litre, bailout funds released to pay off arrears, army head quarters relocated to the operational war zone, stability and transformation are taken its gradual stages having President Buhari on the hot seat.

It is as if Nigerians are entangled in the web of high profile fraud, poverty, terrorism, strife, human rights abuses and corruption amid independence celebration. Subsequent anniversaries were characterized with the afore-mentioned hopefully to be corrected so urgently by President Buhari led administration which is anchored on transparency, justice and zero tolerance of corruption. I believe our highly revered President is focused and fearless to jettison corrupt leaders believing his highly articulated measures set in place to curb corruption will not be jeopardized. We pray the remaining years ahead in Nigeria’s polity shall be more stabilized and improved to an enviable status.

Nigerians must not continue to be in doubt of President Buhari transformation agenda. It is expected of these transformation directors or facilitators at every level of management to exemplify good virtues, because the president and the governors cannot do it alone, we are all important to each other and there is unconditional need for verified checks and balances to outshine the mistakes of our forerunners who handed down power to this administration. Like my beloved Barack Obama would always say “if you believe you can, then we can”

As we celebrate our 55years of liberty in peace, may I opine that appropriate management of Nigeria’s economy and good policies already set in place will certainly uphold our national integrity? Yes we can! Happy birthday indeed!

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Articles by Princely Onyenwe