Independence Day: Nothing To Celebrate, Nigeria Near-Collapse — Seun Kuti

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Iconic afrobeat singer, Seun Kuti, on the 61st independence anniversary of the nation, says he believes there is nothing much to be celebrated.

In a statement sent to The PUNCH, the saxophonist who is also the convener of a group, Movement of The People, noted that Nigeria is near collapse as the high level of hunger, insecurity, unemployment, and corruption is ‘worrisome’.

He said, “It is fitting to bring you all warm solidarity greetings as we celebrate the 61st anniversary of our dear nation! Even though there is nothing to celebrate, owing to the near-collapse in the state of our dear nation.

“With the worrisome level of hunger, insecurity, high rate of unemployment, and wanton looting, the celebration of today’s anniversary calls for a sober reflection and the need to re-organize ourselves to get involved in the democratic process with the view to set the nation on the road to recovery.”

The Grammy award nominee took the opportunity to urge Nigerians who are of voting age to participate in the voting process in other to make Nigeria great again.

“The decision to get Nigeria working from this moribund and mechanistic level is in our ‘thumbs’ and it is neither in the bombs nor bullets. The Movement of The People has now given every Nigerian of voting age the political platform to chose credible leaders across the 36 States and 774 local government of the federation,” Kuti said.

Giving some statistics, the musician claimed that Nigeria had become the ‘poverty capital of the world’. He said that as the ongoing voter’s registration has begun, all eligible Nigerians must get their voters card.

Kuti said, “In 1960, the poverty level was at 15 percent, but today, the poverty level is 50 percent, thereby making the Giant of Africa the poverty capital of the world. In Fela Anikulapo’s voice, ‘as time de go things just de bad, poor man de cry’. May the Legendary Abami Eda’s soul continue to rest in peace!

“The ongoing voter’s registration exercise is the starting point and all eligible Nigerians must get their voters card as the 2023 election has given us an ample opportunity as a people to collectively unite using the M.O.P as a platform to dislodge dealers called leaders.”