As Nigeria marks its 64th anniversary, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of stifling the fundamentals of independence.
The main opposition has, however, charged citizens to use the 2024 Independence Day Anniversary to reawaken the spirit of nationalism in defence of our democracy and national sovereignty against the emerging totalitarianism allegedly being foisted APC.
In a statement on Monday to make the occasion, the PDP urged Nigerians not to surrender to the bullying tactics of the APC administration which it, observed, seeks to undermine the Constitution, emasculate citizens, compromise Institutions of Democracy and turn Nigeria into a fiefdom where APC leaders arrogantly carry on like lords and treat other citizens as conquered people.
Signed by Debo Ologunagba, National Publicity Secretary, the statement added: “The Independence Day celebration is not the symbolic marching at parade grounds, taking of salutes, inspection of guards and making of speeches but it is the freedom of the citizens to express themselves, pursue legitimate endeavors and freely participate in the process to choose those who lead them through an unhindered expression of their Will at elections.
“The independence of a nation is embedded in the respect for the Rule of Law and Constitutionally guaranteed rights of citizens by a transparent and responsible government that is democratically elected, answerable and committed only to the good of the people.
“Since its calamitous arrival in the Nigerian political space, the APC continues to barefacedly stifle these fundamentals of our nation’s independence.
“It is therefore an irony that the APC deludes itself that Nigerians should celebrate Independence which essence has been completely diminished by the anti-people policies and programs of the APC that have not only discounted the lives of citizens but also deprived them of the independence to legitimately pursue their endeavors and freely participate in governance.
“It is clear that APC is not interested in the wellbeing of the people. Instead, it is practically returning our nation to a state of bondage, where government is a cabal that has no respect for citizens but relishes in inflicting pain and hardship; where dissenting voices are treated as enemies of state, where corruption, treasury looting, election manipulation, suppression and exploitation of citizens through excruciating tariffs and taxes are now instituted as state policies.
“It is indeed agonizing that all the gains achieved by the PDP in the development of our democracy and credible electoral process; personal freedom, liberty and security of citizens; good governance that resulted in better living standards and flourishing investments in education, healthcare, electricity, housing, railways and roads infrastructure, manufacturing, hospitality, real estate among others have all been reversed by the APC.
“Our Party is alarmed by the inexcusable insensitivity being exhibited by the APC which continues to resort to lies, false performance claims and empty promises in the face of abysmal failure.”
The PDP called on the APC to recognize that Nigeria is an independent nation and that sovereignty belongs to the people.
“The APC-led administration must therefore listen to Nigerians and review all its anti-people policies and actions that are suffocating life in the country.
“The Federal Government should, without further delay, reduce the pump price of fuel and stem the slide in the value of the Naira by immediately reordering resources to jumpstart the ailing productive sector.
“Again, the PDP urges President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to listen to the heartbeat of Nigerians. Indeed, Nigerians are hurting! He must act now by channeling resources to projects that have direct bearing on the wellbeing of Nigerians so that the people can have the life they deserve as free citizens of an independent nation,” the PDP added.
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