By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA – The Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has lamented that Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary celebrations were overshadowed by widespread corruption and poverty.

The country’s independence anniversary, marked on October 1, was meant to be a celebration of Nigeria’s progress since gaining independence from British colonial rule in 1960.

However, CHRICED Executive Director, Ibrahim Zikirullah, in a statement, highlighted the persistent challenges of corruption and poverty, which have hindered Nigeria’s development.

Zikirullah emphasized that corruption has permeated all levels of government, undermining public trust and hindering effective governance.

He noted that Nigeria currently ranks 154 out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index.

According to him, the country’s poverty rate has also surged, with over 90 million Nigerians living below the poverty line.

CHRICED further noted that poverty has exacerbated social issues, including unemployment, inequality, and insecurity.

The organization called on the federal government to take concrete steps to address corruption and poverty, including strengthening anti-graft agencies, increasing transparency, and implementing policies to reduce economic inequality.

Zikirullah said, “The ordinary Nigerian has paid and continues to pay the supreme sacrifice of death and suffering caused by the nation’s dysfunctional and utterly rudderless leadership. For the continued existence of anything left in our country, the credit should always go to the ordinary man, woman, and youth in this country.

“Rather than experiencing vibrant streets and celebratory gatherings, we are faced with the harsh realities of entrenched issues such as bad governance, corruption, embezzlement, unemployment, widespread poverty, insecurity, and electoral misconduct. The vision of a prosperous, thriving, and secure Nigeria has become a distant aspiration, overshadowed by a grim reality that starkly contrasts with the principles of genuine independence.

“The integrity of our nation has been gravely undermined by politicians who prioritize their personal interests over the welfare of the populace, perpetuating a culture of corruption that has permeated every sector, from electoral systems to the judiciary. This decline in trust jeopardizes our collective potential and highlights the urgent need for measures to restore integrity and accountability in governance.

“This Independence Day should urge us to hold our leaders accountable for their promises and to demand tangible changes that will improve the lives of ordinary citizens. It is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who fought for our freedom and to honor their legacy by striving for a nation where every individual can thrive. We must channel our collective determination into creating a future where the joy of independence is felt by all, not just a privileged few.”