Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Gen. Ijioma Nwokoro Ijioma (retd.), has said that Nigeria has nothing to celebrate 62 years after gaining independence.
The retired Army General who spoke exclusively with Ikengaonline, said the sacrifices of the nationalists who spearheaded the country’s independence had been messed up by subsequent bad leaders.
He said Nigeria should stop blaming her Colonial Masters for her underdevelopment since her leaders had failed to make any meaningful impact after 62 years of superintending over the affairs of the country.
“A 62-year old man would have been married, trained his children and be known for something. What is Nigeria known for?
“How do we look after 62 years we say we’re Independent with abundant natural resources?
“I laugh when people criticise Queen Elizabeth or Britain, accusing them of causing our problem and taking our resources. It’s true that some of the resources used in developing their country were taken from Nigeria but after 62 years we claim to be in charge of that abundant resources, what have we done with it?
“Should we keep blaming somebody after 62 years that we have been in charge but failed to do something impactful?”
Gen. Ijioma blamed Nigeria’s economic woes and under-development on leadership failure.
“What will Nigeria say it has achieved in the 62 years we have been in charge of our resources? Do we even have national carrier? Of all the indices used in measuring development, which of them is present in Nigeria?”
He further argued that the low life expectancy in Nigeria is not a mark of growth but retardation.
“What’s the average life expectancy in Nigeria? What is it that will enhance life when you don’t have passable roads? I don’t think we have anything to celebrate yet!
“But because we have so many shameless people, they will tell you we should celebrate for being alive as if they are the ones giving the life.
“Have we not cut down lives of several thousands of Nigerians due to bad leadership? Have we not cut down thousands of lives who are unable to access Medicare? Do you know some Nigerians die because they cannot afford N500 for drugs?
“Do you know there are Nigerians who cannot afford three-square meal a day? Is that what to celebrate? As far as I’m concerned, there is nothing to celebrate at 62. We should go back to the drawing board!”
Gen. Ijioma regretted that Nigeria’s future had been mortgaged by only few privileged individuals in leadership positions.
