Nigeria @ 59: Activist Raises Concerns Over State Of The Nation, Says Nothing To Celebrate

EMMANUEL ADEOSUN OLUFEMI

Comrade Ogbonna

The leader of a pro-democracy group, Agenda for New Nigeria (ANN), Comrade Emeka Chibuzo Ogbonna has once again taken a swipe at the Federal Government when asked about Nigeria celebrating her 59 years independence.

According to Comrade Ogbonna, “What is there to celebrate about? Are we celebrating Nigeria being ranked the poverty capital of the world with over 80  million of the citizens living in extreme poverty? Are we celebrating Nigeria being ranked as the 3rd most corrupt country in Africa as rated by Transparency International? Are we celebrating the high unemployment rate in the land, with 61.6% of youth unemployed and roaming the streets? Are we celebrating our gallant soldiers that are being killed by Boko Haram on a daily basis, after being lied to by the government that the activities of the terrorist group have been decimated? Are we celebrating the high level of insecurity in the land resulting from incessant killings and kidnappings as never being witnessed before, to the extent that Nigeria has been ranked as the 16th most dangerous country to live in? Are we celebrating governments refusal to pay Nigerian workers a meagre N30,000 minimum wage it promised them more than three months ago, while Senators in the same country are the highest paid in the world? Mind you this N30,000 represents less than $100 a month. Are we celebrating Nigeria being ranked as the country with the highest number of out-of-school children in the world? Are we celebrating government flagrant disregard for the rule of law as shown in government’s refusal to obey court orders for the release Omoyele Sowore, El Zakzaky, Dasuki and other political prisoners, even after a court of competent jurisdiction has granted them bail?”

On the continued detention of the convener of #RevolutionNow Movement, Omoyele Sowore, even after he has been granted bail by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Ogbonna said: “Since Nigeria is operating a constitutional democracy which is guided by the rule of law, it therefore beholds on the government to obey the court order issued for the release of Omoyele Sowore.

“This government promised Nigerians change, but on the contrary, Nigerians are experiencing poverty and hunger. Government should wake up to its responsibilities and stop arresting people criticizing its bad governance. We will not be cowed into silence, but will continue to speak up about government’s maladministration until they decide to do the right things for Nigerians.”