Nigeria @ 65: Only Those Exploiting the Nation Have Reasons to Celebrate – Mahdi Shehu

Human rights activist Mahdi Shehu has called for sober reflection rather than celebration as Nigeria marks its 65th Independence anniversary. In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, Shehu argued that for the vast majority of Nigerians, the occasion offers little to rejoice over.

According to Shehu, only a privileged few—those who have consistently benefitted from political power and the nation’s resources—can genuinely celebrate the milestone.

“The only people entitled to celebrate Nigeria @65 are those whose families have been milking the country dry, those who hold power as if it is their birthright, and those who steal from the nation’s common wealth,” he wrote.

He criticized what he described as a political class that has held on to power through “unfair, undemocratic and foul means,” suggesting that many see leadership in Nigeria as a hereditary entitlement rather than a public trust.

Shehu questioned what joy ordinary Nigerians could derive from an independence anniversary when the nation continues to face deep-seated challenges, including widespread poverty, failing healthcare systems, insecurity, and millions of out-of-school children.

“What will 70 million diabetic and hypertensive patients celebrate when they cannot afford their daily medications? Why would parents of 60 million out-of-school children celebrate Nigeria @65?”

He further cited the plight of families affected by banditry, kidnappings, and other forms of violence, arguing that such trauma leaves little room for national celebration.

“Why would the families of those buried in mass graves, victims of kidnappings and killings, celebrate a country that could not protect them?”

Shehu also pointed to perceived injustices in the country’s handling of non-state actors and insurgents, referencing the continued detention of IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, while, according to him, armed bandits and extremist groups are granted amnesty and reintegrated into society.

“Why would they celebrate when murderous Boko Haram and other extremist killers are being granted amnesty after all the death and pain they caused?”

Rather than festivities and fireworks, Shehu urged that Independence Day be seen as a time for apologies, restitution, and national reflection.

“It should be a moment of apologies for serial disappointments, restitution for avoidable deaths, and mass obituaries for those buried in mass graves,” he stated.

Concluding his post, Shehu expressed a sentiment shared by many frustrated citizens, saying some Nigerians might prefer to “start afresh at one year old,” so they could choose a different path—one of genuine growth, justice, and prosperity.