- Atiku Abubakar condemned President Tinubu’s administration, alleging that it has overlooked the needs of Nigerians amid rising food shortages and security challenges throughout the nation.
- Goodluck Jonathan called on citizens to remain hopeful, emphasizing unity, love for the country, and positivity as essential factors in creating a more robust Nigeria.
- Peter Obi criticized careless lending, corruption, and excessive spending, while Rabiu Kwankwaso voiced confidence in the efforts of previous heroes.
The 65th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence has prompted responses from political figures throughout the nation, with each utilizing the event to consider the country’s path, its challenges, and its prospects ahead.
It was the president personally who initiated the discussion with a national address aired in the morning, during which he emphasized the achievements of his administration and praised the dedication of previous nationalists who struggled relentlessly for independence.
Atiku criticizes Tinubu’s administration regarding security issues
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar delivered one of the most forceful statements, expressing concern over what he termed as a deteriorating condition of the country under the current government.
He mentioned that millions of Nigerians had become “refugees and beggars in their homeland” even though the nation is rich in human and natural resources. Atiku blamed the government led by Tinubu for neglecting its people amid food shortages and instability.
He mentioned that the power of the vote was still the sole opportunity for Nigerians to improve their circumstances in the upcoming elections.
“Every responsible government considers the well-being and safety of its citizens as top priority. However, what we see now is a leadership that has turned its back on the people. Starvation is taking lives in Nigeria, criminals are slaughtering villages, yet President Tinubu and his team remain indifferent and unresponsive,” Atiku stated.
Jonathan celebrates Nigeria
Former President Goodluck Jonathan adopted a more peaceful approach, encouraging people to maintain trust in the nation’s strength amid significant difficulties.
He portrayed Nigeria as a fortunate country, possessing extensive territory, rich resources, and the creativity of its citizens. In his view, this moment should be used for contemplation of both the challenges of the past and the opportunities ahead.
“It is indeed accurate that we encounter difficulties that may challenge our sense of hope; uncertainty, economic inequalities, and organizations that frequently have trouble fulfilling the promises of better well-being, peace, and safety. However, as citizens, we should not lose confidence,” Jonathan stated.
He urged Nigerians to adopt patriotism, unity, and hope in order to achieve a brighter future.
Obi criticizes excessive expenditure, while Jonathan advocates for togetherness
The 2023 presidential candidate for the Labour Party, Peter Obi, gave a detailed analysis of previous administrations, with a focus on the All Progressives Congress.
He remembered how Nigeria once had the potential to become a rising global force but has now fallen behind because of corruption, irresponsible lending, instability, and weak leadership.
Obi presented a bleak scenario highlighting increasing poverty, elevated debt, and deteriorating living conditions during the present administration.
“Currently, the situation is grim. Our overall debt is approximately N175 trillion, which is almost 50 percent of GDP, with no signs of progress in productive sectors. Nigeria has dropped to the fourth-largest economy in Africa, following South Africa, Egypt, and Algeria,” Obi stated.
He blamed the APC administration for extravagant spending on luxury goods, while essential services like healthcare, education, and power continue to be inadequately funded.
Kwankwaso hails past heroes
Former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, found the message to hold greater symbolic significance. He honored the contributions of previous heroes and conveyed optimism that the nation’s unity would remain strong.
“On this unique day, I honor the efforts of our past heroes, the contributions of today’s individuals, and keep a strong hope for our nation’s tomorrow,” he stated.
10 essential points from Tinubu’s speech
Earlier,the peoples.ngselected ten key points from President Tinubu’s early morning national address on Independence Day today, October 1.
Tinubu highlighted the key achievements of his group, such as offering financial assistance for education at both private and public universities.
He, nevertheless, acknowledged that the journey had been challenging, yet assured of a promising future ahead.
