Labour Party presidential aspirant and leader of the Rescue Movement for New Nigeria, Faduri Oluwadare Joseph Fadojoe, lamented the state of Nigeria during his Independence Anniversary speech, highlighting the stark contrast between the country’s past and present. He noted that while Nigeria was once celebrated for its oil wealth, the nation is now burdened by fuel price hikes and non-functional refineries.
Fadojoe expressed disappointment, stating, “For the first time, it’s as if we are not celebrating anything even on our independence date. Even some people have forgotten that today is Nigeria’s independence celebration. Even when we were going through colonialism, our spirit has not been this damped.”
Reflecting on Nigeria’s rich history, he recalled that over 64 years ago, Nigerians were among the greatest people on earth, thriving in agriculture, particularly cocoa production, and fostering a strong sense of community across the country. “Before independence, Nigerians walked freely in any part of the country. But today, even behind well-fenced gates, citizens are still not safe,” he added, underscoring the high level of insecurity that has plagued the nation.
Fadojoe also lamented the decline of the naira, once one of the strongest currencies in the world, now diminished to one of the worst. He reminisced about a time when Nigeria excelled in sports, education, and industry, attracting talent from abroad.
He further criticized the current government, stating, “We are one of the best nations in the world when it comes to oil, but today the entire nation is groaning under the yoke of fuel hike, and our refineries are just not working.” He attributed the country’s current challenges to the leadership under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, claiming that promises of “renewed hope” have instead led to “renewed hunger, renewed insecurity, and the crashing of the economy.”
Fadojoe condemned the growing lawlessness by the elite, asserting that the law seems to only apply to the masses, while calling on President Tinubu to address the unbearable suffering of the populace. He urged the president to reconsider his policies, which he believes are failing to alleviate the struggles faced by ordinary Nigerians.