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Nigeria At 60: I Am Extremely Sad – Ozekhome

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Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ozekhome, on Monday, noted that he is extremely sad about Nigeria at 60.

The lawyer in his statement said after 60 years of existence as a country, Nigeria still struggles with the issue of social justice, equity, religious and inter-ethnic tolerance.

Ozekhome stated this on Monday in Abuja while speaking on how the country has fared after 60 years as an independent nation.

He said: “I’m extremely sad about Nigeria at 60. Surely, a 60 year and above old man or woman, is already a senior citizen; a grandfather, or grandmother. I’m one.”

“This means such a man or woman has grown; or is at least, presumed to have grown, in maturity and development but I’m sad that Nigeria, “our own dear native land” has neither developed nor matured.”

“I’m sad that she hasn’t even been allowed to take full advantage of the various constitutions fashioned out by our Colonial Masters and various indigenous governments to give her meaningful nationhood after she was named Nigeria in 1897.”

“It doesn’t matter that there is an absence of social justice, equity, egalitarianism, mutual respect, religious and inter-ethnic tolerance.”

“I am quite sad that we grow geometrically in population, yet, arithmetically in growth and development,” the lawyer continued.

Nigeria, by available UN data, at mid-2020, ranks number 7 (2.64 per cent) in the list of most populated countries of the world, with a population of about 206,139,589 people.”

“I’m sad indeed that we only operate civilian governments, but never democratic governments.”

Ozekhome also said that it was worrisome that young Nigerians were still struggling to obtain a mere first degree at ages 26-32.

“The same Nigeria had, once – upon – a – time, in the 50s and 60s, produced ministers, military governors and Heads of State at the same 26 – 32 age bracket.”

“Government’s wanton breach of citizens’ fundamental rights, reckless disregard to court orders, and brazen desecration of the rule of law.”