As Nigerians celebrate the 65th national Independence anniversary, an appeal has gone to both the federal and state governments to urgently redouble their efforts and actions to tackle and reduce poverty in Nigeria.
This call was made by an elder statesman, Chief Adesunbo Onitiri in a press statement issued in Lagos yesterday.
While appreciating the efforts of the Tinubu administration in revamping the nation’s already battered economy, Onitiri pleaded that both the Federal Government and states must redouble their efforts to bring the situation of poverty and insecurity under control.
He said with the higher revenue state governments are getting from the federation accounts presently, they have no excuse not to perform and give their people more developments and dividends of democracy.
In the statement titled: “Reminiscence and expectations of Nigerians after 65th independent anniversary”, the Chief Onitiri said:
“Surely most Nigerians are unhappy with the state of affairs in our country and therefore not celebrating.
“Most Nigerians claim there is nothing so far to celebrate except the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Our infrastructure are not developed. Our roads are death traps. No pipe borne potable water to drink. No 24hours uninterrupted electricity supply. There is poor access to medical care.
“Unemployment rates are galloping every year. Poverty level is deteriorating abysmally. Nigeria is properly branded the world’s poverty capital.
“For many decades, Nigeria became a laughing stock in the comity of developed nations before the present Federal administration came on board.”
Onitiri regretted that Nigeria, our dear nation is still crawling at 65. Anyone born 65 years ago should have matured into full grown adult, old enough to take care of himself and his family.
He pointed out that the most unpalatable thing was that Nigeria’s youths, our future leaders “are japaing to foreign lands or taking to crimes and harmful drugs.”
The elder statesman blamed former Nigerian and current leaders and politicians for creating the problems for the country.
“Our politicians are not ready to serve the people anymore but their pockets, families and friends. Corruption has eaten deep into the fabrics of the society,” he stated.
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According to Onitiri, Nigerians are so easy to govern. What they want are good potable water to drink; uninterrupted light supply; good roads, employment for young graduates and others; enabling environment for businesses to thrive; and good care for the elderly.
He concluded: “These are the minimal expectations of Nigerians. Nigeria, we hail thee!”.
Onitiri, however, commended the great efforts of President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in revamping our economic quagmire and taking us back on track. He urged all Nigerians to be patient with him and cooperate with the present regime to take us to the promised land.
