Upcoming 54 Years Independence Anniversary on Wednesday, October 1, 2014

As the country marks its 54 years Independence anniversary on Wednesday, October 1, 2014, Nigerians are of the view that though the progress to nationhood has been slow, there were signs of purposefulness and hope.
Some Federal Capital Territory residents who spoke with our correspondents ahead of the celebrations expressed their hopes that with more accountability and openness, rule of law, Nigeria would indeed be the Giant of Africa, and the entire black race.
The citizens who spoke were hopeful that with the gains by the military against insurgents especially the Islamist sect, Bok Haram, an era of peace would truly unleash the country’s immense potential.
Mrs. Edith Akwaji, a civil servant, told The Abuja Inquirer: “I see hope. With the way the battle against the terrorists is going, I know that progress would come. Imagine the way government at both the federal and state levels cooperated to tackle the Ebola matter. That is the way we want to see things done and not always politicizing every matter.”

On whether the country has made any meaningful stride in its 54 years as an independent country, Mrs Akwaji said though progress especially in terms of infrastructure and job creation has been poor, there were signs that things were turning for the better.
“You can see that this present administration is trying very much. Now, railway is coming back gradually, no more fertilizer racketeering, the number of Almajiri have reduced. Yes it is slow but we are getting there,” Akwaji said.
For Mr. Chukwudi Okonkwo, the fact that the country has witnessed 15 years of uninterrupted civil to civil rule is a huge plus for the country. “Progress should not be measured by the tangibles alone,” he said, “we should look at the civil liberties we enjoy. The atmosphere for citizens to demand for accountability and decide who rules over them is a huge gain. Yes things might not look as rosy as we expect, but Nigeria is on the march and nothing can reverse it.”
Okonkwo however argued that after 54 years, the founding fathers and those who have been in government since that time should think of quitting.
“It is sad that we still have people who were there before independence still in government. It is time for new hands on the saddle. We need digital experience in governance. We thank those we set the stage for us, but it is time they move aside for new thinking,” he argued.
Speaking a little differently, Mallam Isa Ibrahim, said there was nothing to cheer about accusing the Jonathan administration of having reversed the gains of former years.
“There is nothing to cheer about as this government (Jonathan’s) has not done anything significant. Imagine the level of insecurity and corruption. October 1 should be declared as National Reflection Day.”
The federal government had declared October 1 as public holiday in commemoration of the country’s independence from Great Britain on October 1, 1960.