Rivers state Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has appealed to youths to be ambassadors of peace in their communities, wards and local government areas, stressing that no one benefits when the State is in crisis.
This is as the South-South Youths Initiative (SSYL) through its president, Comrade Imeabe Saviour Oscar has demand a holistic independence.
The governor and the group stated this in their different goodwill messages to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary celebration, on Thursday.
Governor Fubara said the celebration offers an opportunity for the people to reflect on Nigeria’s journey since 1960 and to renew their commitment to peaceful coexistence.
In their own message, SSYL lamented that Nigerians have nothing to celebrate as Nigeria is not yet independent.
The group, therefore, demanded a holistic independence – an independence of the mind, of the economy, of our institutions and of our future.
The message read; “The South-South Youths Initiative (SSYI) under my leadership has observed the annual ritual of celebrating Nigeria’s Independence Day, and we are compelled to state categorically that there is nothing to celebrate.
“How can we celebrate independence when our institutions are not independent?
“How can we celebrate independence when our governance system is still dependent on colonial mentality, corruption, and personal interest?
“We will only truly celebrate independence when:
“When INEC becomes truly independent and not a puppet in the hands of the executive; When our Judiciary delivers justice without fear or favour, without looking at who is involved; When our Legislature makes laws for the people and not for their pockets.
“When we are free from economic dependence, borrowing to loot and mortgaging the future of our youths; When we are free from security dependence, where lives and properties are no longer negotiable; When we are free from the dependence on godfatherism, tribalism, and political patronage that has crippled meritocracy.
“Holistically, are we truly independent with the situation we face in Nigeria today?
“With fuel price beyond the reach of the common man despite being an oil-producing nation?
With millions of graduates roaming the streets unemployed?
With hospitals that cannot treat our leaders, forcing them to travel abroad?
With a naira that has lost its value and dignity?
With insecurity that has made every citizen a prisoner in his own country?
“What independence are we celebrating? Independence from the British but enslaved by bad leadership, poverty, hunger, and hopelessness?
“This is not the Nigeria our founding fathers fought for. This is not the Nigeria of our dreams.
“Therefore, on this October 1st, the South-South Youths Initiative declares that we are not celebrating, we are reflecting. We are not jubilating, we are demanding.
“We demand a holistic independence – an independence of the mind, of the economy, of our institutions and of our future.
“Nigeria will only celebrate true independence the day the common man on the street can feel it in his pocket, in his safety, and in his hope for tomorrow”.
