A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Mike Ozekhome, has
said that he was extremely sad about Nigeria at 60.
Ozekhome explained that after 60 years of existence as a
nation, Nigeria still grapples with the issue of social justice, equity,
religious and inter-ethnic tolerance.
He stated this on Monday in Abuja while articulating his
thoughts on how the country has fared after 60 years as an independent nation,
NAN reports.
He said: “I’m extremely sad about Nigeria at 60. Surely, a
60 year and above old man or woman, is already a senior citizen; a grandfather,
or grandmother. I’m one.
“This means such a man or woman has grown; or is at least,
presumed to have grown, in maturity and development but I’m sad that Nigeria,
“our own dear native land” has neither developed nor matured.
“I’m sad that she hasn’t even been allowed to take full
advantage of the various constitutions fashioned out by our Colonial Masters
and various indigenous governments to give her meaningful nationhood after she
was named “Nigeria” in 1897.
“It doesn’t matter that there is an absence of social
justice, equity, egalitarianism, mutual respect, religious and inter-ethnic
tolerance.”
“I am quite sad that we grow geometrically in population,
yet, arithmetically in growth and development,” the lawyer continued.
“Nigeria, by available UN data, at mid-2020, ranks number 7
(2.64 per cent) in the list of most populated countries of the world, with a
population of about 206,139,589 people.
“I’m sad indeed that
we only operate civilian governments, but never democratic governments.”
Ozekhome also said that it was worrisome that young
Nigerians were still struggling to obtain a mere first degree at ages 26-32.
“The same Nigeria had, once – upon – a – time, in the 50s
and 60s, produced ministers, military governors and Heads of State at the same
26 – 32 age bracket.”
“Government’s wanton breach of citizens’ fundamental rights,
reckless disregard to court orders, and brazen desecration of the rule of law.”
Recall that Nigeria will celebrate its 60th year anniversary
as an independent country on October 1, but the Federal Government says the
celebration will be low-key due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
President Muhammadu Buhari had said that the theme of this
year’s anniversary celebration; “together shall we be” had been chosen to forge
a more united and cohesive Nigeria.
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