By Azuka Jebose
Biko what’s so happy about our 65th Independence Day? Is a dysfunctional nation at 65 a happy nation? Show me a Happy Nigerian today and I will show you a virgin at a birthing center (maternity ward). Those who attain retirement age today (including civil servants) in Nigeria shall struggle for years, effective today, to get paid their deserved retirement benefits? Some may die, waiting for their benefits, some may face severe health challenges and be broken by lack of finance to seek better healthcare within a dysfunctional healthcare system. Are these what’s happy about Nigeria’s 65th Independence? Why are we celebrating a nation still in darkness, a nation that can’t guarrantee its citizens the basic necessities of life and liberty? No functional healthcare, no decent roads, unemployment is non existent for its young citizens, graduates and non graduates, a nation still without 24 hrs uninterrupted electricity”, major roads flooded, economy in ruins as politicians debate the mundane at NAS. Ordinary light for man to enjoy, nkor o, e nor Dey” Sang the late Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti.
So, my people, whoever is happy with the state of Nigeria today is either a “government chicken boy or girl” or deceptive. I shall not wave any damn flag. For years, I remained proud to be a Nigerian. When will Nigeria be proud of my pride? My grand parents waited for Nigeria to be proud of their patriotism, they died disappointed. My parents too, waved the flag, cooked special Rice and Stew with native hens on Independence Day, to celebrate Nigeria’s independence, they bought these items from their meager incomes, just to be proud Nigerians. Nigeria never showed an appreciation. They died waiting and wishing for Nigeria to be proud of them.
Nigeria’s independence is one year older than my birth. I have waited 64 years for Nigeria to be proud of my patriotism. But everyday, Nigeria continues to happen to us in a most inhumane way. So tell me what’s special about today? Will there be electricity at your homes to celebrate? Have your parents who retired five years ago been paid their deserved benefits that they worked very hard for as civil servants? Have you paid school fees for your child? Are the roads in your neighborhood not flooded and or in deplorable conditions, neglected by your local governments? So, Nigeria @ 65, retirement age, what did it do for me those years?
Azukajebose
