The federal government has disclosed its decision to host a low-key 63rd independence anniversary, citing issues of bad governance and challenging economic circumstances as the primary reasons behind the decision.
Notably, the federal government said it has refrained from inviting any world leader to partake in the October 1, 2023 festivities.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, who disclosed this during a press briefing heralding the 63rd anniversary celebration, elucidated on the government’s stance, saying the gravity of economic hardships faced by both the nation and its citizens.
The theme of the anniversary is “Nigeria @ 63, Renewed Hope for Unity and Prosperity.”
He stated that the decision to abstain from inviting international leaders stands in stark contrast to the previous inauguration ceremony where 53 world leaders were in attendance.
Akume further highlighted the ongoing investigations within the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), revealing that a special investigator has been diligently scrutinising the apex bank’s operations.
He said the findings of the inquiry will soon be made available to the public, shedding light on the circumstances contributing to the current economic challenges.
Akume also acknowledged the role of governance in the nation’s struggles, expressing the government’s commitment to addressing the issues head-on.
He commended President Bola Tinubu’s impactful decision at the CBN, which significantly improved the capital market, an achievement deemed unprecedented in the past 15 years.
Akume said: “Low-keyed celebration has nothing to do with whether we’re not doing well. Economic times are hard, we are looking at it not just at the national level but also as a family. We have not invited world leaders. During the inauguration of the President, 53 world leaders were invited, so we have not invited any world leaders. The report of the investigator for CBN will soon be ready for the public.
“The government also has its own responsibility to ensure that a national interest is not undermined the integrity of the national interest remains paramount. The low-key celebration has nothing to do with undermining this basic national interest. We are doing this celebration conscious of the fact that we are 63 years old but also, more importantly, conscious of the fact that economic times are hard as I clearly stated.
“Most of these problems confronting us are because of bad governance. The present government has confronted and is confronting these challenges. When President Bola Tinubu came on board, he made a very sound decision at the CBN, that singular act led to the massive improvement in the capital market, as experts have told us, it is something that has not happened in the past 15 years. We have a new team at the CBN and a special investigator has been in the CBN for some time now and the result will soon be released and Nigerians will know what really went on and what brought us to where we are today.
“We have repeatedly said that the fuel subsidy regime is a scam, but the courage to confront it was not there until this government came to power. Some of these things will be in the report that Nigerians will soon see, things really went bad. Now, there is nowhere in the world where you have a unified tax regime, double taxation was the order of the day in the previous administration and it was so bad.”
He said the current administration was looking at critical infrastructure, and that was why when the president was in India, investors showed commitment to come to Nigeria to invest, same as other countries.
He said the President has given his approval for the 63rd anniversary to be low-key in line with the present economic realities.
Speaking further, the SGF said: “We have all agreed to live in a united peaceful, united, prosperous country, despite our diversity. Without these, no nation can move forward. Government is making sure our national interest is not undermined.”
Akume further stated that the celebration was particularly important at this time having witnessed an unbroken democratic record since 1999 as well as the seamless, successful, and peaceful presidential transition programme from one government to another.
“Despite political tremors and a wave of coups in some parts of the ECOWAS sub-region, Nigerians have fully embraced democracy with its core values and practices as the best form of governance. Democracy affords the citizens the opportunity through elective structures and processes to effectively participate in the affairs of their country.
“The relationship between the people and government in representative democracy is symbiotic: while the citizens support the government, the government provides security, protects, and enhances their interests.
“The government is fully aware of the economic challenges that Nigerians are confronted with since the removal of the fuel subsidy as well as the impact of the global economic downturn. The government is working assiduously to provide the necessary palliatives to mitigate such challenges and also the provision of buses to ease hardship on transportation among others. At the same time, the government is engaging with labour in order to address areas of concern for the well-being of all Nigerian workers and Nigerians generally.
“It is for this reason that this government led by His Excellency, Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is anchoring on the Renewed Hope Agenda which will improve food security; guarantee end to poverty; improve security; economic growth and job creation; access to capital; improve the playing field on which people and particularly companies operate; respect for the rule of law; and fight against corruption,” he said.
The programmes lined up for the event, according to Akume, include; anniversary symposium/public Lecture, on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at State House Conference Centre at 10 am; a lecture on Friday, September 29 2023 at the National Mosque Conference Center by 10 am and Juma’at Prayer at the National Mosque at 1 pm.
He also stated that there would be a presidential broadcast on Sunday, October 1, 2023 at 7 am; an inter-denominational church service on Sunday, October 1, 2023 at the National Christian Center at 10:00 am, and military parade on Monday, October 2, 2023 at the Presidential Villa, at 9 am.
“I therefore call on you as media professionals and patriots to support this administration and build workable partnerships in order to transform our country into the land of our dreams. Also, I count on you to publicise activities lined up to mark Nigeria’s 63rd Independence anniversary,” the SGF added.