The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has extended heartfelt congratulations to the resilient citizens of Nigeria on the occasion of the nation’s 63rd Independence Day. CHRICED acknowledged the enduring spirit of ordinary Nigerians who have borne the brunt of hardships and suffering, largely due to the nation’s dysfunctional and directionless leadership since the return to democracy in 1999.
“The credit for the sacrifices that have ensured Nigeria’s continued existence as a nation must go to the average man and woman in this country,” CHRICED stated in its commemorative message. Despite enduring adversities, the ordinary Nigerian continues to believe in the unity and manifest destiny of the nation, exemplifying unwavering faith in a dream once envisioned at independence in 1960.
The story of Nigeria’s journey since independence is marked by untold sacrifices and unknown graves that serve as grim reminders of a great dream squandered on the altars of incompetence, corruption, greed, and personal aggrandizement.
CHRICED noted the celebratory atmosphere among government officials but questioned whether the beleaguered citizens, grappling with poverty, economic challenges, and pervasive insecurity, shared in the celebration. The organisation expressed concerns over the rampant underachievement and failures, urging Nigerians affected by the prevailing misrule to prepare for future struggles.
As a significant opportunity for citizens to voice their grievances, CHRICED highlighted the forthcoming indefinite strike action scheduled by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and their affiliates on Tuesday, October 3, 2023.
Despite debates on the necessity of a strike at this juncture, CHRICED emphasised that the current administration’s unrelentingly harsh policies have stifled the nation. It called upon Nigerians to consider staging massive protests as a gift of independence to the ruling elite, expressing their enduring endurance and aspirations for improved governance at all levels.
