SOWORE SAYS POVERTY, INSECURITY UNDERMINE NIGERIA’S INDEPENDENCE

African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has said Nigerians cannot genuinely celebrate the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary while millions continue to face poverty, hunger, unemployment and insecurity.

Sowore made the remarks in an Independence Day message published on Thursday, arguing that true independence should include freedom, dignity, justice and equality for citizens.

He said many Nigerians were yet to experience what he described as the fundamental benefits associated with independence, despite the country gaining freedom from British colonial rule in 1960.

Sowore also criticised the state of education, healthcare and electricity, while alleging that public resources had been mismanaged by successive governments.

He argued that Nigerians themselves were hardworking and resourceful, but said successive administrations had failed to adequately utilise the country’s human and natural resources.

The AAC candidate said citizens deserved better access to quality education and healthcare, reliable electricity, decent wages and greater security.

He called for a form of independence that goes beyond the end of colonial rule, including stronger protection of citizens’ rights and improved governance.

Sowore urged Nigerians to view the anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on the country’s challenges and work towards building a society that serves citizens more effectively.