The Coalition of United Political Parties has expressed dismay over Nigeria’s economic struggles, stating that the country’s 64th Independence Day celebrations have been overshadowed by harsh realities.
In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Peter Ameh, CUPP noted that the anniversary serves as a reminder of unfulfilled promises, emphasizing the need for introspection, collective responsibility, and decisive action, according to Daily Post.
He explained that the nation’s economic downturn has eroded national pride, leaving citizens preoccupied with survival, adding that basic necessities like rice and garri have become luxuries, while prices soar, rendering essentials unaffordable.
CUPP identified key challenges facing Nigeria’s economy, including leadership incompetence, corruption, poor governance, rising inflation, unemployment, and currency fluctuations.
These issues have severe consequences, such as widespread poverty, malnutrition, desperation, insecurity, infrastructure decay, and brain drain, affecting millions of Nigerians.
The coalition emphasized that addressing these challenges requires transformative leadership, effective governance, and a renewed commitment to progress.
CUPP’s statement comes as Nigeria marks 64 years of independence, with many citizens reflecting on the country’s progress and potential.
The coalition urged Nigerians to unite in demanding better governance and economic opportunities, stressing that collective action is necessary to revitalize the nation’s economy.
As Nigeria celebrates its independence, CUPP’s message serves as a call to action for policymakers, stakeholders, and citizens to work together towards a more prosperous future.
In a statement signed by its national secretary, Peter Ameh, the coalition noted that the “64th anniversary serves as a stark reminder of unfulfilled promises. It’s time for introspection, collective responsibility, and decisive action. The nation yearns for transformative leadership, effective governance, and a renewed commitment to progress.
“Hunger and poverty have become unwelcome companions to millions. Basic necessities like rice and garri, staples in Nigerian cuisine, are now luxuries.
“A bag of rice, once affordable, now strains family budgets. Garri, a cassava-based staple, has become a rare delight. The price of a bottle of groundnut, a fundamental cooking ingredient and staple food, has skyrocketed to ₦2,500, exacerbating the struggles of the common man.
“The economic downturn has eroded the sense of national pride. Citizens are preoccupied with survival, leaving little room for patriotic sentiment. The festivities, once filled with hope and promise, now serve as painful reminders of unfulfilled expectations.
“The celebrations are tempered by the harsh realities of a nation struggling to fulfill its potential. Successive governments have failed to deliver on promises, leaving the country mired in poverty, insecurity, and stagnation.”
It noted that the economic woes the country’s economy struggles with are multifaceted and include: “Leadership Incompetence: Lack of visionary leadership has plagued Nigeria, with leaders prioritizing personal interests over national progress.
“Corruption: Endemic corruption has siphoned resources, undermining development initiatives.
“Poor Governance: Ineffective institutions and policies have hindered economic growth and social development.
“Rising inflation: Prices soar, rendering basic necessities unaffordable, and unemployment: Millions lack stable income, exacerbating poverty.
“Currency fluctuations: The Naira’s devaluation fuels price hikes.”
CUPP noted that the economic hardship has far-reaching consequences and has impacted the lives of millions of our citizens negatively. “Widespread poverty: Millions struggle to make ends meet; over 80 million Nigerians live below the poverty line.
“Malnutrition: Hunger and inadequate nutrition threaten public health, and desperation: Citizens become vulnerable to crime and social vices.
“Insecurity: Boko Haram, banditry, and kidnapping threaten national stability, and infrastructure decay: Roads, healthcare, and education suffer from chronic underfunding.
“Brain drain: Talent flees to seek opportunities abroad.
“‘Hungry man, angry man’ aptly describes Nigeria’s situation. Citizens are frustrated, disillusioned, and increasingly desperate.”
