Independence

The Federation of Nigeria came into being in 1954 and in the same year, the Federal Government of Nigeria was introduced, this was a year after, Chief Anthony Enahoro moved a motion for independence in 1953.

The Nigerian leaders then, had to travel to Great Britain for a conference, which deliberated on matters pertaining to Independence, in 1957, on their return, self-Government, commenced in the Eastern and Western regions.

The following year, 1958, a second conference came up in Great Britain, which laid the foundation for independence, while federal elections were conducted in December 1959 and the late Sir Abubabakar Tafawa Balewa emerged the Prime Minister of the Federation of Nigeria.

 The Northern region  of Nigeria also became self-governing in the same year.

Nigeria became an independent nation on 1st October, 1960, after the joint houses of Legislature unanimously passed the motion  for independence and Sir James Robertson emerged as the first Governor-General of independent Nigeria. On November 16, 1960, Dr. Nanmdi Azizkiwe   was appointed the first Nigerian Governor General of the Federation  of Nigeria.

Before this time, on 1st October, 1960, the Queen of England was represented by Prince Alexandra at the independent day celebrations.

Princess Alexandra unfolded the Nigerian flag of Green, White and Green which replaced the Union Jack of Great Britain.

Between 1st October, 1960 and 1st October, 1963, Nigeria's allegiance was to the  Queen of England. The Governor  General represented the Queen in Nigeria.

On October 1, 1963, Nigeria became a Republic and as a result no longer had constitutional connection with Great Britain. The Supreme Court in Nigeria  now became the highest court to which litigation of all sorts were channeled to.

Today, the loans and bonds by Government at all levels, which run into Trillions of Naira, perhaps, has compromised the sovereignty of the nation.

As Nigeria clocks 59, millions of citizens across the country lament that discrimination, nepotism, favoritism, injustice and inequality are the hallmarks of governance in the past and present dispensation.

In the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, non-indigenous people who constitute a bulk of the population, have interesting stories to tell of their experiences.

Also, in a sizable number of these states, first term Governors are towing the people unfriendly policies of their predecessors to the consternation of all concerned.

In this interview, the Eze Ndigbo of Ibadan and Oyo state, Dr. Alex Anozie, who insists that he remains the head of Igbos in the state with particular reference to the matter the the Appeal Court Ibadan Division, opines that the country has not been fortunate enough to have good leadership since independence.

Nigeria is 59, in your views, how has the journey been ?

Well, if one is not careful, one might be tempted to say that he is disappointed, I say so because with the way God blessed Nigeria, I was expecting something better than what we have in this country called Nigeria. Why ? because we are blessed with human resources, we are blessed with natural resources, good weather and climate, God has blessed us with everything. Sadly, God has not blessed us with good, focused, dynamic, corruption free and de tribalized leadership.

Since our independence we have not been lucky to have such leadership. We have been wobbling. Countries all over the world are disappointed.

Nigeria should be a country where everyone is running to, but Nigerians are running out of the country, to engage in jobs that are demeaning.

I believe that we shall make it by the grace of God.

If we had good leadership since independence, we would have gone far.

Nigerians ought to have free education,good roads and stable electricity supply all over the country.

This government that says it is fighting corruption, corruption is in their rooms. Everybody is corrupt.

Africa is not moving forward because of corruption in Nigeria. When Nigeria sneezes the whole Africa catches cold.

We have everything, except good leadership. God will help us to have it.

All our elections have been fraudulent. Even though we have development in some places, this is not enough when you hear of the trillions been stolen away. If these are not stolen, why should we be having graduates without jobs ? Tell me why should we be having armed robbers ?

And we are Christians and Muslims, who claim to know God, but we are not showing signs that we know God. It is a pity.

Let us all begin to practically display the fear of God, not just by preaching, but in practice.

Everyone will give account of his or her deeds.

People will leave all these worldly things to give account of their deeds.

If you claim to be a good Christian or a good Muslim, you must display it practically. People are suffering.

I don’t want to believe that we don’t have good leaders. We will keep on praying for the government. They should take the right from the wrong and do the right thing.

Serious consideration must be given to restructuring.

There is a need for Nigerians to ensure that the next President comes from the South East. All the Political Parties must source their candidates from the South East, this will calm frayed nerves and all the agitations will cease.