Iconic afrobeat singer, Seun Kuti, on the 61st independence anniversary of the nation, says he believes there is nothing much to be celebrated.
In a statement released to the press, the saxophonist, who is also the convener of a group, Movement of The People, noted that Nigeria is near collapse as the high level of hunger, insecurity, unemployment, and corruption is “worrisome”.
“It is fitting to bring you all warm solidarity greetings as we celebrate the 61st anniversary of our dear nation! Even though there is nothing to celebrate, owing to the near-collapse in the state of our dear nation.
“With the worrisome level of hunger, insecurity, high rate of unemployment, and wanton looting, the celebration of today’s anniversary calls for a sober reflection and the need to re-organize ourselves to get involved in the democratic process with the view to set the nation on the road to recovery”.
Sean Kuti
The Grammy award nominee took the opportunity to urge Nigerians who are of voting age to participate in the voting process in other to make Nigeria great again.
“The decision to get Nigeria working from this moribund and mechanistic level is in our ‘thumbs’ and it is neither in the bombs nor bullets. The Movement of The People has now given every Nigerian of voting age the political platform to choose credible leaders across the 36 States and 774 local government of the federation”.
Sean Kuti
Giving some statistics, the musician claimed that Nigeria has become the “poverty capital of the world”. He urged that as the ongoing voter’s registration has begun, all eligible Nigerians must get their voter’s card.
“In 1960, the poverty level was at 15 percent, but today, the poverty level is 50 percent, thereby making the Giant of Africa the poverty capital of the world. In Fela Anikulapo’s voice, ‘as time de go things just de bad, poor man de cry’. May the Legendary Abami Eda’s soul continue to rest in peace!
“The ongoing voter’s registration exercise is the starting point and all eligible Nigerians must get their voters card as the 2023 election has given us an ample opportunity as a people to collectively unite using the M.O.P as a platform to dislodge dealers called leaders”.
Sean Kuti
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Meanwhile, during the Independence Day celebration, some activists blocked roads in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja protesting against bad governance.
In a video posted by an activist, Imoyele Sowore on his verified Facebook page, a large number of protesters were sighted chanting solidarity songs.
The post was captioned, “Independence Day Protesters commence #RevolutionNow #BuhariMustGo protest in Abuja”.
Although many Nigerians have frowned on the Independence Day celebration owing to the current hardship and security crisis bedeviling the nation, several activities are currently ongoing in many parts of the country to mark the day.
Just like Sean Kuti, Sowore have vowed that there would be no celebration in Nigeria on October 1st, saying there is nothing to celebrate. Members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB have also vowed to shut down the country and remove all Nigerian National Flags from the Southeast region in solidarity with their leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Kanu is currently in the custody of the Department of State Services, DSS, after his rearrest from an undisclosed country in June.
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