Independence: Nigerians Deserve More Than Ceremonies, Empty Promises- Sowore

The African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has said Nigerians deserve more than ceremonies, speeches and promises as the country marks its 66th Independence anniversary.

Sowore said the fundamental promises of independence, including freedom, dignity, prosperity, justice and equality, remain unfulfilled for millions of Nigerians.

He made the remarks in an Independence Day message in which he highlighted poverty, hunger, unemployment, insecurity, poor electricity supply and inadequate public services as major challenges facing Nigerians.

According to Sowore, the country cannot claim to have achieved true independence while citizens continue to struggle with poverty and poor access to education, healthcare and electricity.

He also criticised the state of workers’ wages, saying many employees earn incomes that cannot adequately support their families.

Sowore argued that Nigeria’s problems are not caused by its citizens, whom he described as hardworking, creative, resilient and resourceful.

Instead, he accused successive ruling establishments of failing to properly utilise the country’s human and natural resources while demanding further sacrifices from Nigerians.

“At 66, Nigerians deserve more than ceremonies, speeches, flags, and further empty promises,” Sowore said.

The AAC presidential candidate called for a Nigeria where workers earn living wages, education and healthcare are accessible, electricity is reliable and young people can build meaningful lives.

He also called for greater protection for farmers and citizens, while criticising corruption, oppression, ethnic manipulation, religious bigotry and what he described as divisive politics.

Sowore said the responsibility of his generation goes beyond celebrating the independence Nigeria gained in 1960.

“The task before our generation is not merely to celebrate the independence handed to us in 1960. Our historic duty is to redo it,” he said.

He called for the building of a Nigeria that is genuinely independent and works for all citizens rather than a privileged few.