Nigeria on Wednesday marked its 65th Independence anniversary with two contrasting national messages — one from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who highlighted reforms and progress under his administration, and another from 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, who painted a grim picture of leadership failure and economic decline.
In his broadcast to the nation, President Tinubu said despite Nigeria’s challenges, the country was on a recovery path, crediting his government’s reforms with reversing years of economic mismanagement.
“I am pleased to report that we have finally turned the corner. The worst is over, I say. Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief,” Tinubu declared.
The President highlighted what he described as “12 remarkable economic milestones” achieved in the last two years, ranging from record non-oil revenues and reduced debt service-to-revenue ratio to improved foreign reserves and trade surpluses.
According to him, “Nigeria has recorded a trade surplus for five consecutive quarters. We are now selling more to the world than we are buying, a fundamental shift that strengthens our currency and creates jobs at home.”
Tinubu acknowledged that reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and foreign exchange liberalisation, brought “temporary pains,” but stressed they were necessary for long-term prosperity.
“The accurate measure of our success will not be limited to economic statistics alone, but rather in the food on our families’ tables, the quality of education our children receive, the electricity in our homes, and the security in our communities,” he said.
On security, the President commended the armed forces for victories against Boko Haram, IPOB/ESN, and bandit groups.
“Peace has returned to hundreds of our liberated communities in North-West and North-East, and thousands of our people have returned safely to their homes,” Tinubu noted, urging Nigerians to support security agencies.
Addressing the youth, Tinubu described them as Nigeria’s “greatest assets” and promised more opportunities through schemes like NELFUND, YouthCred, and iDICE.
“You must continue to dream big, innovate, and conquer more territories,” he charged, adding that his administration would “continue to give you wings to fly sky-high.”
But in a sharp contrast, Mr. Peter Obi, in his independence message, accused the Tinubu-led APC government of deepening poverty and wrecking the economy through incompetence and waste.
“Today, the picture is bleak. Our total debt stands at about N175 trillion, nearly 50 percent of GDP, without any improvement in productive sectors,” Obi lamented.
He accused the government of reckless borrowing and lavish spending while citizens suffer.
“Billions are spent on new presidential jets, yachts, and luxury cars that cost more than the entire 2024 budget for primary healthcare. Meanwhile, Nigerians pay more for everything and receive less,” Obi said.
The former Anambra governor also criticised insecurity, saying Nigeria had become “one of the most terrorised and unsafe nations in the world.”
According to him, kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism thrive under weak leadership, with citizens living in fear daily.
Obi insisted that Nigeria still had the capacity to rebound but required competent and compassionate leadership.
“Despite this mismanagement, Nigeria’s potential for greatness remains. We cannot give up on the dream of a prosperous and secure nation,” he stated.
He urged leaders to reject “corruption, bigotry, and division” and embrace a “new Nigeria where leadership is defined by competence, compassion, and commitment.”
Ending on a note of optimism, Obi said: “Against all odds, we will return Nigeria to the path of prosperity and justice. The mission is clear: Nigeria will rise again.”
