Mixed reactions have trailed President Bola Tinubu’s speech to commemorate Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary, on October 1, 2024. One group called for patience and understanding with the government, while another condemned the situation in the country. Reacting to the president’s speech, some Nigerians commended him for his efforts while others objected to his policies. Reno
Mixed reactions have trailed President Bola Tinubu’s speech to commemorate Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary, on October 1, 2024. One group called for patience and understanding with the government, while another condemned the situation in the country.
Reacting to the president’s speech, some Nigerians commended him for his efforts while others objected to his policies. Reno Omokri appreciated the president for showing empathy with Nigerians and for going into detail about the progress his government has made in the last sixteen months, as he also gave Nigerians and our international partners some relief and confidence about the future.
“I quite like how he tied the improvement in security to agriculture, especially in the North, and how farmers are beginning to return to the farms in places where terror hindered their activities. And by speaking about how he will give hope to the people of Borno as they face additional flooding issues, he gave the people of Borno confidence to face the future.
“The National Youth Conference is a pleasant surprise. To last thirty days. This will reinvigorate patriotism and commitment amongst our youth. This is perhaps the best part of the speech. The President pulled a special rabbit out of his hat. He says the selection of delegates will be announced soon. We hope and pray that it will be done in conjunction with credible youth groups. Kudos to President Tinubu!
He touched on security, the economy, youths, his plans to actualise the financial autonomy granted to Local Governments, planned investments in the upstream sector of the oil and gas industry, and fiscal and monetary reforms, which have had positive and verifiable impacts on our economy. Overall, it was a good speech. President Tinubu spoke for twenty-three minutes and showed he was aware of the credit of things in the nation. He left the nation feeling better about his administration’s plans for them and future generations. Again, a good speech,” Mr Omokri posited.
Also in his response, Abdulahi A. Abdullahi commended the President for focusing on agriculture. My key takeaway from President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s speech today is the announcement of plans to establish assembly plants for John Deere tractors and other agricultural machinery—one of the leading companies in the world for agricultural equipment.
The plant, which is set to be completed within six months, will produce 2000 John Deere tractors, combine harvesters, disc riders, bottom plows, and other essential farm equipment.
Given my passion for large-scale agricultural mechanization, this is incredible news for scaling up our agricultural operations.
However, Bashir Abubakar cast a shadow of doubt on the president’s speech stating his disbelief in the promises made by the president in his address. “It is easy to say. He knows, you know, we know, that he never believes what he says. I pity Nigerians who still believe that this administration has something good to offer. You guys have already crushed the little hope that remains, in our hearts, about this country.
In the same light, Cherly King reacted “You’re only fooling yourselves! Nothing will ever make any meaning until Nigerians start having a better life. For how long will Nigerians be patient? Mark this, in 2025, he will still tell Nigerians to be patient while the dollar, fuel, food prices, etc increase more & more, he continues stealing from Nigeria, buying 2025 Cadillac, traveling from pillar to post wasting Nigeria’s money without any benefit”.
Aloba O. Gideon also maintained that the President “said so much but said nothing. Strengthening the Naira is essential to improving living conditions for Nigerians.
“By doing this, we can mitigate a significant portion of the current hardship and inflation. A stronger Naira will lower fuel costs, which in turn will reduce transportation expenses and food prices. Additionally, other inflationary pressures linked to petroleum costs will be reversed, providing broader economic relief.
Nigeria Yet to Achieve Satisfactory Electoral Progress- Atiku
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 general election, Atiku Abubakar said despite celebrating its 64th independence anniversary, the country is yet to achieve satisfactory progress in fostering political inclusivity and ensuring elections that are genuinely free and fair.
He therefore called for a coalition among leaders to form a country that will provide Nigerians with a credible opposition capable of steering our beloved nation toward a promising future. “I am reminded of how our nation has traversed numerous tumultuous phases. Yet, the tenacity of our patriotic citizens, bolstered by the solidarity of our international allies, has fortified our resolve as a resilient entity.
“On this day, as we mark 64 years of nationhood, I take pride in the enduring establishment of democracy in Nigeria. This anniversary represents the longest period of democratic governance in our history, a testament to our collective commitment.
“However, I must emphasize that, while democracy has anchored our institutions in the principles of the rule of law, we have yet to achieve satisfactory progress in fostering political inclusivity and ensuring elections that are genuinely free and fair.
“I call on the political elite to unite in the noble mission of safeguarding our democracy from the brink of authoritarianism. Our founding fathers united under a common cause, championing our independence through peaceful, political activism. What we celebrate today is the fruition of their collective endeavors and those of subsequent generations.
“It is deeply regrettable that our current landscape reflects a troubling decline in electoral credibility, increasingly manipulated by those in power. Our political milieu has become corrosive; opposition parties languish in weakness, while the ruling party appears to manipulate internal processes to render them ineffectual. Nigeria teeters on the brink of a one-party dictatorship, and it is incumbent upon all politicians and statesmen of integrity to rise and reclaim our democracy from the encroaching shadows of oppression.
Independence A Moment of Reflection- Peter Obi
Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the general elections also called Nigerians to reflect as the country celebrates its independence. He stated that some leaders’ actions and inactions have contributed to the stagnation and glaring failures the country is witnessing at present.
He called for a solemn commitment to build a country that is free from tribal disunity and religious disharmony and build a Productive Nigeria that prioritizes the well-being of its citizens. “This should also be a day of sober reflection for every Nigerian. As the saying goes, an unexamined life is not worth living. We must, therefore, examine ourselves in the light of our nation’s journey over the past six decades.
“Have we lifted our people out of poverty, or have we driven more into it? Have we made education accessible to every Nigerian child, or have we allowed an army of over 18 million out-of-school children to roam the streets? Have we built a productive economy, or have we created a nation with the worst debt profile in its history?
“By every measure of development, from the critical areas to the smallest aspects, we are underperforming. We rank poorly in security and peacefulness, making us one of the most insecure nations globally.
“We are also ranked among the most corrupt countries, and we are noted for our disregard for the rule of law.
“Our nation continues its dangerous dance on the edge of a precipice. When we compare ourselves to countries that gained independence around the same time—before or after us—Nigeria stands out as a nation in decline, urgently in need of rescue from further decay.
“On this day, therefore, we must make a solemn commitment to build a nation that is truly independent of the state capture that has dragged it into failure and kept its people suffering.
“We must create a nation free from tribal disunity and religious disharmony. We must build a New and Productive Nigeria that prioritizes the well-being of its citizens. That is the independence we should celebrate as a nation whose greatness remains possible.”
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