As Nigeria marks her 61st independence anniversary, Nigerians have in retrospect came hard on the topsy-turvy situations and concluded that the country was more united and peaceful before independence day than now.
In an interview conducted by Straightnews on Friday, October 1, some decried the prevailing disunity in the country while others bemoaned the insecurity caused by kidnappers, robbery suspects and cultists.
They applauded how excited they were on October 1, 1960 and how they felt, ruminating over the thoughts and atmosphere of the political independence celebration.
Imo Ibok, a retired Director of Fisheries, Akwa Ibom Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, recollected how happy and excited he was on Independence Day.
Ibok, who is a Colonel in Salvation Army Church recalled ‘’On that day, I was given a cup and with Nigeria’s emblem and Nigerian flag. We waved and sang and rejoiced.’’
According to him, ”I was a pupil of RDC School, Mbiaso now in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom.
”Unity prevailed in the country and was shown on several faces. There was love among Nigerians. Insecurity was rarely reported. Discrimination was unheard of.’’
Augustine Akpaetor, a retired secondary school principal said by 1959, I had gotten Standard six. I went to my alma mater- St. Michael’s Primary School, Ikot Etim in Ukanafun Local Government Area and was given a cup and Nigerian flag.
Akpaetor who is a one-time Chairman of Nigeria Union of Teachers, Akwa Ibom State Council recollected, ”The late Jerome J. Umoh from Ikot Etobo was the headmaster. I was happy collecting those items.’’
”There was unity among Nigerians then. Unfortunately, the country is so divided among different political, social and religious lines these days.
”I think the solution lies in praying to God to intervene for us. The way things are going look so bleak. God can heal the land,’’ the Qua Iboe Church elder added.
Gregory Ukpong was another beneficiary of cup and Nigerian flag.
Ukpong who was a pupil of St. Peter’s Catholic School, Ikot Inyang in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area said things worked properly and normally then, recalling ”When I got the items, I was excited. Luckily, I went to school that day with new hair-do and new but well-ironed uniform to match. I was joyous and excited.’’
He lamented that ”These days, the story has changed. There is discrimination. Our unity is begging for answer. Peace is lacking owing to insecurity to life and properties, suggesting ”I want to call on our leaders to enthrone peace and unity among us and in the country.’’
