By M.B. Musa, PhD
mbmusa@abu.edu.ng
As Nigeria celebrates its 64th independence anniversary, one cannot help but reflect on the state of the nation with deep concern. Should we be where we are today?
A country once filled with promise has instead become engulfed in economic decline, political corruption, and public despair.
I love my country and deeply admire the sacrifices made by its founding fathers, who, in their time, envisioned a prosperous and united Nigeria.
Yet, the democracy we have today has devolved into nothing more than an opportunity for politicians to enrich themselves, while the people they are supposed to serve languish in poverty.
In his famous work, The Struggle for Africa’s Independence, historian Basil Davidson reminds us that “Independence was never meant to be an end, but a beginning.”
It was supposed to be the foundation on which we would build a free and just society, governed by those who sought the welfare of the people, not the wealth of their pockets.
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But in today’s Nigeria, politicians—most notably under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration—have turned democracy into a vehicle for personal gain. Our founding fathers’ vision of selfless leadership has been replaced by a culture of greed and deception.
President Tinubu’s speech today, delivered to mark the 64th anniversary, was filled with lofty promises that, even in a hundred years, will never yield positive results.
He spoke of economic recovery, national unity, and strengthening democracy. Yet, these promises ring hollow when contrasted with the reality on the ground.
How can we trust a government that claims to be working for the people, yet buys a new presidential plane, a yacht, and bulletproof vehicles at the height of national economic hardship?
How can we believe in a government that bestows national honors on Senate President Godswill Akpabio, a man with ongoing corruption cases with the EFCC, without any regard for due process or justice?
Even as President Tinubu speaks of protecting democracy, his actions prove otherwise. In the face of rising public discontent, the government has used security forces to silence democratic protests across the country.
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The right to peaceful protest is enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution, yet those who dare to exercise this right are met with force.
As historian Eric Hobsbawm noted, “The preservation of democracy depends on the preservation of public trust.” But in Nigeria, that trust has been completely eroded.
Tinubu’s government continues to manipulate the very fabric of the Nigerian economy to serve his personal and family interests. While Nigerians are told to endure the “necessary hardships” brought on by his economic policies, he creates business opportunities that benefit his inner circle.
The removal of fuel subsidies has caused the cost of living to soar, with fuel prices rising from N500 to over N1,000 per liter in less than a year.
Meanwhile, the floating of the naira has sent inflation spiraling, leaving the average Nigerian unable to afford basic necessities.
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Worse still, democracy has been reduced to a charade, as seen in the stifling of peaceful protests and the unjust treatment of citizens who dare speak against the government.
The use of state security forces to crush dissent is a betrayal of the very principles of independence, which was fought for with the promise of freedom of expression and the right to demand accountability from leaders.
Renowned historian John H. Plumb once wrote, “Independence is the promise of freedom, not just from foreign rule, but from oppression, inequality, and the greed of those in power.”
Today, however, we find ourselves oppressed not by foreign powers but by our own leaders, who seem more interested in preserving their wealth and power than in upholding the values of independence.
How can we celebrate independence when our leaders, who should be accountable to the people, treat public office as a personal business?
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How can we call ourselves independent when poverty, inequality, and corruption are the hallmarks of our government? How can we celebrate when even our right to protest and speak out is being stripped away by those who swore to defend it?
Nigeria at 64 should not be in this state. Independence should be more than a celebration of the past—it should be a promise of a better future.
Yet, under this government, that promise feels further away than ever before. If we are to reclaim the dream of independence, we must hold our leaders accountable for their actions, demand transparency, and insist on a democracy that truly serves the people.
Only then can we truly celebrate an independence worthy of our founding fathers’ vision.