A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Akin Ricketts, has called for unity and collective action to restore Nigeria’s glory, declaring that despite the country’s current challenges, there remains hope for greatness.
In his Independence Day message issued on Wednesday and signed by his media aide, Essien Emmanuel, Ricketts reflected on Nigeria’s 65th anniversary with a mix of sorrow, criticism and cautious optimism.
‘We have come to a point in our dear nation where the mere remembrance of our past heroes brings tears to our eyes. Why? Because many of our present-day leaders have betrayed the sacrifices of those who fought so selflessly for the freedom, dignity and progress of Nigeria,’ he said.
The ADC stalwart lamented that the ideals of Nigeria’s founding fathers, courage, patriotism and visionary leadership, are being eroded by what he described as selfishness, corruption and poor governance.
Citing the legacy of late President Muhammadu Buhari, Ricketts praised the former leader’s National Social Investment Programmes, particularly N-Power, as initiatives that once empowered ordinary citizens without favoritism or political influence.
‘Those were programmes where the common man did not need to lobby, bribe or bow to anyone to benefit. But today, that hope has faded. Ministries, departments and agencies that once offered lifelines to the less privileged have abandoned those responsibilities,’ he said.
He criticised current economic policies, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and reduced social spending, calling them ‘heartless,’ ‘archaic’ and ‘anti-people.’
‘What do we hear today? That Nigeria must not owe, that petroleum subsidy must be removed and that spending on the people is ‘a waste.’ What a heartless idea. A pain inflicted on millions by so-called leaders who refuse to listen to the cries of their people,’ Ricketts said.
The opposition figure painted a grim picture of the present state of the nation which he said is marked by hunger, insecurity, unemployment and despair and questioned the basis for celebration on Independence Day.
‘Our nation is in pain, and our heroes of the past, wherever they are, would weep bitterly at the state of their beloved country,’ he stated.
Despite this, Ricketts called on Nigerians to rise above ethnic, religious and political divisions to reclaim the vision of a united, prosperous nation.
‘The time has come for us to arise and shine again. Nigeria belongs to all of us, and we must take it back, not for ourselves alone, but for the sake of our children and generations yet unborn,’ Ricketts said.
He urged citizens to rally behind the African Democratic Congress, describing it as a credible alternative capable of delivering on the hopes of the people.
‘Together, with courage, wisdom and sacrifice, we can build the Nigeria of our dreams, a nation of justice, equity and prosperity for all. Arise, compatriots. The future of Nigeria is in our hands. ADC can refresh Nigeria again,’ he said.