SOWORE: INDEPENDENCE MEANS LITTLE TO NIGERIANS FACING HUNGER, INSECURITY

African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has said Nigerians cannot genuinely celebrate the country’s independence while millions continue to struggle with poverty, hunger, unemployment and insecurity.

In his Independence Day message, Sowore said the fundamental promise of independence had not been fulfilled for many Nigerians.

“Today, Nigeria marks 66 years since the Union Jack was lowered and our green-white-green flag was raised. But for millions of Nigerians, the fundamental promise of independence, freedom, dignity, prosperity, justice, and equality, remains unfulfilled,” he said.

He argued that the country’s independence should be measured not only by the raising of the national flag but by the quality of life available to citizens.

‘WE CANNOT CELEBRATE’

Sowore said: “We cannot celebrate independence while our people are trapped in poverty, hunger, unemployment, insecurity, darkness, and hopelessness.”

He also criticised the condition of basic public services, including education, healthcare and electricity.

“We cannot call ourselves truly independent when our children are denied quality education, workers earn wages that cannot sustain their families, hospitals are collapsing, the paltry electricity that exists remains a luxury, and those entrusted with public resources loot with impunity,” he said.

‘THE PROMISE REMAINS UNFULFILLED’

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Sowore’s statement framed independence as a continuing national project rather than simply a historical event.

His position is that political independence has not automatically translated into economic security, social welfare or institutional accountability for ordinary Nigerians.

The statement also reflects the wider political disagreement over how Nigeria’s current condition should be assessed, with opposition figures focusing on poverty, insecurity and living costs while the Federal Government points to reforms and economic measures intended to address structural problems.

ValidViewNetwork reports that Sowore’s comments were delivered as part of his Independence Day message and represent his political assessment of Nigeria’s condition, rather than an official government position.

The wider debate over Nigeria at 66 therefore extends beyond the celebration of independence itself to questions about whether citizens have received the freedom, security, prosperity and public services that independence was expected to make possible.