As Nigeria marked its 65th Independence Anniversary, human rights activist Mahdi Shehu has sparked conversation with a strong critique of the celebrations.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, Shehu argued that only a select few — the political class, the wealthy elite, and those who have continually benefitted from the nation’s resources — truly have reasons to celebrate.

“The only people entitled to celebrate Nigeria @65 are those whose families have been milking the country dry, those who hold power as if it is their birthright, and those who steal from the nation’s common wealth,” he wrote.

Shehu questioned what joy ordinary Nigerians should derive from a celebration overshadowed by poverty, hunger, insecurity, and failing healthcare.

He pointed to the struggles of 70 million patients battling diabetes and hypertension without affordable medication, and the 60 million children out of school, asking what such citizens could possibly celebrate.

The activist also drew attention to families torn apart by kidnappings, killings, and insurgencies, while lamenting that bandits and terrorists often get pardons and reintegration instead of justice.

For Shehu, Independence Day should not be marked with fireworks or parades. Instead, he insists it should be a moment of apology, restitution, and reflection for decades of leadership failure and unending suffering of citizens.

“Many Nigerians would rather the country start afresh at one year old,” he added, “so they can decide where to grow and prosper, away from the contraption.”