Nigeria @60: We Have Reasons To Celebrate Despite Many Setbacks - ex Benue Deputy Governor Insists

By Alewu Bernard

A former Deputy Governor of Benue State, Chief Steven Lawani OFR has maintained that Nigerians have reasons to celebrate their freedom from the grips of colonialism irrespective of the many challenges faced by the country today.

The Ochagwu K'idoma in a phone interview with our correspondent, admitted that @60, the country is yet to occupy it's natural position in the comity of states. He further decried the fragile unity of the country which he said is a continued threat to her growth and development.

The Benue APC chieftain further regretted that @60, Nigeria despite her huge economic potentials, large population, has been unable to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people.

He also noted with concern, the danger posed by insecurity, lack of economy diversification and the tribal, religious and ethnic sentiments in the country. He lamented that Nigeria's development and growth will continue to be a mirage if the solutions to these three major problems are not sought and applied appropriately to send it out of our shores.

However, he was resolute that there are alot to be happy for. In his words, "the evils of colonialism cannever be over stressed". He also counted democracy as one of the major achievements in the country's journey 'post' independence.

He used the opportunity to reiterate his earlier call for our democratic institutions to be strengthened so as to enable Nigerians fully appreciate it's impact.

Finally, the Idoma born politician avered that Nigeria has achieved alot staying together as one indissoluble entity, stressing that if Nigeria maintains her unity, the country will grow to become one of the world powers in the future.

The political leader ended the interview by wishing his immediate constituency, the entire Benue state, the North Central and Nigeria at large, a happy 60th independence anniversary.

Self-deception and hypocrisy

I would rather have a country that is not a World power but one where the system works and its citizens are secured and living above the poverty line . I don't care what status we attain Before the world ..we need a working Nigeria devoid of corruption, insecurity,nepotism ,tribalism and religious tension .

Which Nigeria is he talking about’
Or is he high on something

Unity my foot.


You told Abaribe that the Constitution and the Laws are for you to interpret.

Which version of Peace, the one synonymous with Northernization of Federal Republic of Fulani?