As Nigeria marks its 64th Independence Day on Tuesday, October 1, the question of the nation’s greatest achievement remains a subject of debate. One prominent opinion points to Nigeria’s enduring democratic rule since 1999 as its most significant milestone.
In an exclusive interview with Legit News political commentator Okanlawon Gaffar offered his perspective, emphasizing the importance of the country’s uninterrupted democratic governance for over two decades. He highlighted that, since gaining independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960, Nigeria has experienced significant challenges, including a series of military regimes, civil war, and political instability.
Read Also: Woman Pretending To Be Pregnant Steals 7-Day-Old Baby During Naming Ceremony
However, Gaffar stressed that the continuous democratic elections and peaceful transitions of power since 1999, without military intervention, represent a critical achievement for the country. According to him, “A long stream of democratic rule since 1999 where we have been able to have elections consistently without military interjection” is a major success.
The Journey to 64 Years of Independence
Nigeria’s path to self-governance began with the leadership of its first prime minister, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, who played a pivotal role in the nation’s transition to independence in 1960. However, the years that followed were fraught with regional and ethnic tensions, culminating in the collapse of the First Republic in 1966. This marked the beginning of military rule, with General Aguiyi Ironsi’s coup ushering in decades of military dominance.
FG Declares October 1st Public Holiday to Mark Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary
Subsequent military leaders, such as General Yakubu Gowon, who led Nigeria during the Biafran Civil War, General Murtala Mohammed, General Olusegun Obasanjo, General Muhammadu Buhari, and others, held power during this period of political instability. Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, under President Obasanjo, ushered in the Fourth Republic, ending nearly two decades of military rule.
Democratic Milestones Since 1999
Since the restoration of democracy in 1999, Nigeria has seen successive civilian administrations, including Presidents Umaru Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan, Muhammadu Buhari, and now Bola Tinubu. While challenges such as insecurity, economic hardship, and corruption persist, Nigeria’s democratic framework has provided a platform for addressing these complex issues.
Gaffar’s perspective underscores the significance of Nigeria’s long-standing democratic process, which he considers the foundation for building a more stable and prosperous future. For a country with a history of military takeovers, the ability to conduct free and fair elections for over two decades is a major accomplishment.
Challenges and Progress Under Tinubu’s Government
Ahead of the 64th Independence Day celebrations, President Bola Tinubu’s administration faces mounting pressure to highlight its successes amidst a backdrop of economic difficulties and public discontent. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has pointed to key initiatives such as local government autonomy and the roll-out of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses as evidence of progress.
Despite these efforts, Nigerians continue to grapple with issues of hunger, inflation, and economic uncertainty. The road ahead remains complex, but the nation’s sustained commitment to democracy is widely regarded as a source of hope for the future.
As Nigeria reflects on its 64-year journey, the nation’s resilience in maintaining democratic governance, especially after years of military rule, stands as one of its greatest accomplishments.
