The country’s affairs have been managed very poorly. The first set of political leaders, when we gained independence in October 1960, did their best. However, perhaps due to our inexperience in self-governance, things became fractious, leading to military intervention.
This brought a host of problems that have only magnified over time, setting us back. The military, meant to safeguard our security, instead took on governance, which has done us no good. Their involvement has brought nothing but sorrow.
What do you think Nigeria has got right since independence, and where have we faltered?
We haven’t got anything right; we’re moving backwards, not forwards. Despite having abundant human and material resources, those in charge have misused them because they don’t understand democratic governance. We’ve been autocratic, not democratic. The military’s influence has left us in a worse state. Our education system, healthcare services, infrastructure, and electricity are all in decline. Governance, from Tinubu to those before him, has been shameful; none of them seem to care.
Do you believe that Nigeria’s current structure still reflects the ideals of independence, or has the country deviated from those principles?
