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By Daberechukwu Egbo, Ag. Editor-In-Chief

63 years ago, on 1st October 1960, in the heart of Africa and at the centre of its western region, there was a country with great potential, which gained full independence from Great Britain and received its freedom charter on a racing track turned Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) at its former Capital. There was a country rich in human and natural resources whose journey to independence started with some constitutional developments which made provisions for attaining self-rule in some quarters in 1957 and total independence on 1 October 1960.

Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa announced the country’s independence in his speech read at the TBS before a representative of Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Alexandra of Kent, who handed Nigeria’s Constitution to him and the former British Governor-General of Nigeria, Sir James Wilson Robertson.

Nigeria’s new green-white-green flag was hoisted officially for the first time, replacing the Union Jack at the midnight flag raising ceremony under the command of Lieutenant David Ejoor, who would later become Chief of Army Staff. 

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60 years ago, 3 years after independence on the same date, Nigeria became a Republic with late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe assuming the role of a ceremonial President.

But unfortunately the honeymoon was short-lived. The golden period that began in 1960 ended abruptly in1963. Things began to fall apart after the political crisis in the Middle Belt and Western Region, with the first military coup on 15th January 1966, almost 6 years after independence, which saw the assassination of Balewa, followed by another coup the same year which plunged Nigeria into a three year civil war that claimed over three million lives. After the war ended, 30 years of coups and military dictatorships followed.

Nigeria’s journey to independence had its struggles, trials and challenges some of which Chinua Achebe reflected in his story ‘Things Fall Apart’. Despite the struggles, the dreams of the founding fathers and giants of our history, late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, late Sir Ahmadu Bello and late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, among others, formed a united vision in the midst of diverse people, tribes, cultures, languages, and traditions. Their steadfast commitment to building Nigeria in peace and harmony despite the huge cultural diversity is a beautifully inspiring act of leadership. 

As Nigeria celebrates 63 years of independence, it is indeed important to take a moment and reflect on the nation’s achievements, challenges and development. Examining the country’s post-independence progress, there’s little political achievements and developments to celebrate.  One of them is the fact that there’s been no coup for 24 years, since 1999, although the country is believed by many to be authoritarian. The nation seems to be gradually surmounting retrogression in its quasi democracy.

Another is the fact that Nigeria has been able to remain united against all odds. Although Nigeria is one piece, it is not yet at peace. Therefore it is important to identify ways to keep sustaining this union and make it worthwhile. The country’s union as a nation needs to become more transparent and genuine than it currently is.

Nigeria should not only be undivided as a nation but should also make tangible progress. Unity without progress, development, and improvement is futile. True peace and unity cannot exist when the geopolitical zones are no longer at ease, when there’s rancorous relationships among zones, ethnic groups and tribes. We need to dismantle this rancor, this antagonism, this acrimony by ensuring a balanced distribution of resources, appointments, development.

There’s need for a Nigeria where everyone truly sees each other as equals, a nation where progress in one zone is seen as a progress for the entire country. Development should be evenly spread across the nation since there’s no part of Nigeria without diverse ethnic groups, every part of Nigeria embodies all tribes. When one zone develops, it benefits both the natives and migrants, thereby benefiting everyone.

Nigeria needs to eliminate the notion of favouritism and nepotism, the idea that one gains if their tribesperson holds a position of power. Leaders in positions of power should view Nigeria as a country, a united front, not a separated entity for ethnic favouritism.

It is important for every President to strive to balance appointments, this will ensure each zone feels included and will help dissolve the notion of separation. However beyond just getting a chance, regional representatives should demonstrate why they deserve it. It’s not just about balancing appointments, it’s also about appointing based on merit, capacity and performance.

And, so, good people of Nigeria, as the nation celebrates 63 years of independence, let’s not forget the fight against the many problems and challenges that still impede the progress of this great nation, from economic challenges to insecurity, leadership challenges, political instability, corruption, inequality, ethnic divisions, inadequate education, inadequate healthcare, infrastructure deficit, the list is enormous.

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Daberechukwu Egbo is the Acting Editor-In-Chief of Pacesetter Frontier Magazine.

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Contents provided and/or opinions expressed here do not reflect the opinions of The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine or any employee thereof.

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