54th Independence Anniversary: `What are we celebrating when Chibok girls are still in captive?'

A cross section of Nigerians on Wednesday said Nigeria’s 54th Independence anniversary was worth celebrating because “we are still a united nation’’ in spite of the numerous challenges.

Other citizens, however, said that the atmosphere was not ripe for celebration due to insurgency in parts of the country and the Chibok girls, among other challenges.

A PDP member in Kogi, Mr Adelodun Obaseki, said in Lokoja that “Nigerians have every reason to celebrate as in spite of all odds, God has always been by our side’’.

Obaseki pointed out the level of developments that the country had experienced in the last few decades as some of the reasons for celebration.

He noted that the PDP had proved itself to be a party that all Nigerians should embrace through its infrastructural developments in all aspects of national life through the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Another resident, Mr Salaudeen Mohammed, however, said that there was need for sobriety because of the security challenges threatening the country.

“What are we celebrating when over 200 Chibok girls are still being held captive by insurgents in the North, with killings and kidnappings in the South?,’’ he asked.

He noted that the nation still suffered epileptic power supply, massive youth unemployment, corruption and persistent strikes.

“Just give me a reason why we should celebrate when at 54, Nigeria still depends on importation of domestic goods, building materials and many other things,’’ said Salaudeen.

He, however, advised political leaders and governments at all levels to shun corruption and work for the betterment of our nation.

A taxi driver, Mr Samuel Elian, lamented the poor condition of the state and federal roads across the country, saying it was a cause for concern.

He enjoined the various tiers of government to do the needful to restore people’s confidence in the polity by delivering the benefits of independence.

Mr Ibrahim Tola, a private legal practitioner in Abuja, called for the construction of quality road network across the country and the provision of educational facilities, healthcare service, agricultural inputs and improved electricity supply, among other basic social amenities and infrastructure.

Mrs Eletta Awoniyi, a civil servant, said Nigeria should celebrate the sustained unity of the nation at 54 in spite of the various ills bedevilling the country.

She urged Nigerians to set aside religious, political and tribal differences, and embrace unity and peace which were needed to surmount the security challenges facing the country.

“Nigerians should join hands in the spirit of oneness and support our President Goodluck Jonathan in the fight against the enemies of our nation,” she urged. (NAN)