Kudos, Knocks As Nigeria Marks 66th Independence Anniversary

From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto

As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, divergent views have continued to trail the performance of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Alhaji Bello Idris (APC-Gwadabawa North), Majority Leader of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, said the anniversary was worth celebrating, considering the progress recorded since independence.

Idris stated this in an interview with newsmen in Sokoto on Wednesday that Nigeria had come a long way, adding that “a lot of water has passed under the bridge” since independence, with significant developments recorded in the economic, social and educational sectors, among others.

“The leaders that we have, especially those who fought for independence, our heroes past, who were the founders, did a lot to put Nigeria on the right track.

“From their time to date, we cannot count the successes Nigeria has recorded. That is the sincere truth,” he said.

The lawmaker said that as a citizen and member of the state assembly, he had witnessed several developments under President Tinubu, particularly in economic empowerment, reforms and other developmental initiatives.

“Many results have been recorded and many developmental achievements have been made under President Bola Tinubu.

” These are things that you can see physically, especially in the area of economic empowerment and reforms, which may not be visible to many Nigerians.

” However, many Nigerians know and have witnessed the results of the economic policies and reforms of the Tinubu administration,” Idris added.

However, Alhaji Abubakar Magaji (ADC-Bodinga North), Minority Leader of the House, said there was no significant achievement of the Tinubu administration worth celebrating.

Magaji said the administration had not done enough to address the challenges facing the country, particularly the northern region.

“As far as I am concerned, as a serving legislator, if we are talking about progress in terms of leadership in our country, I can say without any fear of contradiction that I have not seen any progress under the Tinubu administration.

“If we talk about Tinubu, as a northerner, I can attest that I have not seen anything that is worth celebrating in three years,” he said.

According to him, the Federal Government needs to do more, considering the resources available to it.

“The only thing people are talking about is the Trans-Sahara road from Illela to Badagry. We need more than that, considering the huge resources available to the present administration,” he said.

The lawmaker also expressed concern over the security situation in the northern region, particularly Sokoto State, describing it as worrisome.

“What is happening now in Sokoto State is terrible. Out of the 23 Local Government Areas, only two are not vulnerable to security threats.

” Apart from Sokoto South and Sokoto North Local Government Areas, none of the remaining 21 LGAs is safe,” he said.

Magaji said the security situation had forced residents from affected communities to seek refuge in the relatively safer parts of the state.

“Even at my residence, a four-bedroom apartment, I have to host more than 20 people under my roof.

“This has become an odd situation because during the tenure of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, only seven out of the 23 LGAs were vulnerable to security challenges,” he added.