As Nigeria marked its 65th Independence Anniversary, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s address sparked criticism from opposition figures, socio-political groups, and religious leaders, who dismissed his assurances that the “worst is over.”
Tinubu, in his broadcast, defended his economic reforms and urged citizens to rally behind his administration, insisting the country is “racing against time” to correct decades of neglect.
But his optimism was swiftly countered.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar accused the administration of being “unmoved and uncaring” despite worsening hunger, insecurity, and poverty. “Millions of Nigerians have been reduced to refugees and beggars,” Atiku lamented.
Labour Party’s Peter Obi also faulted the government, arguing that Nigeria has slid backward under the APC. He highlighted soaring debt levels, dwindling economic strength, and rising insecurity. “Nigeria has fallen from Africa’s largest economy to fourth place,” Obi noted, while blasting new taxes, reckless borrowings, and government extravagance.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) described Tinubu’s speech as “brilliant rhetoric without substance,” questioning his claim that “the worst is over” while Nigerians still grapple with daily hardship.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) warned that true progress must be measured by food security, safety, and opportunities for youth — not statistics. “We are hungry for food, not numbers,” CAN said.
Similarly, the Anglican Primate, Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, decried the “entitlement mentality” of leaders, while the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) argued that Nigeria has not moved forward “in real terms” due to inflation and a weakened naira. The Ijaw National Congress (INC) went further, calling the anniversary a reminder of “65 years of marginalization.”
Critics like former Minister of Education, Professor Ihechukwu Madubuike, dismissed Tinubu’s claims as propaganda, citing skyrocketing prices of basic goods.
However, not all responses were negative. Afenifere, PANDEF’s Ken Robinson, and Governor Chukwuma Soludo praised the president’s courage in initiating tough but necessary reforms, while the ruling APC maintained Tinubu has “reset the economy” and laid the foundation for growth.
The sharp divide reflects Nigeria’s struggle at 65 — between hopeful reform and unrelenting hardship, with citizens caught in between.
