Emeka Nweze
Nigeria marks 60 years since it became an independent country and as a result of the pandemic, there won’t be the usual fan fair and celebrations that usually comes with the occasion. 60 years truly warrants a celebration, but in the case of Nigeria, there is absolutely nothing worth celebrating as the it gradually falls into failed state territoty.
But incase you’re still optimistic and in the mood for celebration, below are 25 reasons not to.
1. Poverty
According to the National Bureau of Statistics over 82.9 million Nigerians are poor. This is a disappointing number especially when you compare it with the country’s estimated population of 180 million people. This poverty was most felt during the lockdown that resulted from the coronavirus pandemic. The widespread poverty resulted in a plethora of social vices and insecurity. Simply pathetic.
2. Bad leadership
From time immemorial Nigeria has always been plagued with clueless and uninspiring leadership, and unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like it is going to end soon
3. Insecurity
Sleeping with one eye open has become the norm, and people have been left to protect themselves from bandits and criminals.
4. Terrible Electricity
5. Police/SARS
What more can be said? Police harass, intimidate and kill innocent civilians who they swore to protect and nothing is being done about it. Police is not your friend and be very afraid of them.
6. Politicians
Failed promises, deceit, corrupt, the list goes on and on
7. Insurgency
Boko Haram continues to ravage the North-east without an end in sight.
8. Ethnic killings
Southern Kaduna needs respite.
9. ASUU
Never forget that Nigeria celebrated 60 years of independence in the middle of an ASUU strike
10. Debt
As of June 30, 2019, Nigeria’s total debt profile had risen to N31. 009 trillion, yet the country continues to borrow.
11. Low standard of living
Nigerian’s are living in complete discomfort, their basic necessities like food and jobs have become luxury, yet we celebrate 60 years.
12. Fuel price
Nigeria is a country rich in crude oil, yet petrol a commodity we’re supposed to enjoy is sold at 151 per litre
13. Bag of rice at 40k
14. Corruption
It has been a trend for every elected official in Nigeria to promise to eradicate corruption. “Fighting” corruption was top of President Buhari’s agenda during his campaign, but we all know how that has ended up, bullion vans and what not.
15. Sham democracy
16. Brain drain
Every day, new sets of brilliant professionals across various fields exit the country in search of a better opportunities and a better life
17. Poor health system
When the president travels abroad to treat his ear, you know there is a problem.
18. Massive exodus of young people
19. Zero free speech
Under the guise of curbing hate speech, the government has stifled freedom of speech and any sort of criticism is met with punishment. In a Democracy?
20. Flawed Educational system
Strikes, inadequate facilities, decay of existing facilities and all out neglegence.
21. Disunity
The idea of One Nigeria has proven to be a big fat lie.
22. Atrocious laws
It is as if the government deliberately enact laws that inimical to the progress of its citizens. From pointless taxes to laws that infringe on fundamental human rights, the masses just can’t win.
23. Tribalism and Nepotism
Opportunities are few and shared among a select few while those that truly merit theses chances are left reeling.
24. Zero human rights
The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) guarantees human rights which include the rights to life, personal liberty, fair trial, freedom of thought, conscience and religion etc. But we all know the true story.
25. The future doesn’t look bright
Nigerians have been known to be very optimistic people, but that optimism has gradually waned. People have realized that truly there isn’t any light at the end of the tunnel and we are in a free fall into oblivion.
