The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), Nigeria, has called for renewed commitment to justice, accountability, equal citizenship and responsible governance as the country marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
The organisation made the call in a statement issued on Thursday in Lagos by its Executive Chairman, Disu Kamor, to commemorate Nigeria’s independence.
MPAC congratulated Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, but said the anniversary should also provide an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of independence to ordinary citizens.
It said independence should not be measured only by the lowering of the colonial flag, but by the extent to which citizens could live with dignity, security, justice and access to opportunities.
According to the organisation, Nigeria’s sovereignty must remain sacrosanct, urging political leaders to remove what it described as vestiges of colonialism and imperialism from governance, laws, institutions, economic arrangements and foreign policy.
Read Also:
- MPAC Questions Nigeria’s Position on Palestine at 81st UNGA
- MPAC Decries Backslash Against 17- Year-Old Qur’anic Competition Winner
- MPAC Welcomes Vanguard’s Apology Over Altered Photo Of Nigeria’s Spelling Bee Representative Maryam Yusuf
MPAC said a truly independent Nigeria should be one where the law protects the vulnerable and holds the powerful accountable, irrespective of citizens’ faith, economic status or background.
The organisation acknowledged the progress recorded by Nigeria since independence, but said significant gaps remained between the aspirations of citizens and the realities confronting millions across the country.
It said the country could not fully celebrate independence while many Nigerians struggled to meet basic needs, with religious suspicion, ethnic divisions, political exclusion and declining public trust continuing to affect national cohesion.
The organisation also expressed concern over unemployment, frustration and diminishing opportunities for young Nigerians, calling for stronger leadership, discipline and commitment to translate the country’s potential into tangible development.
It urged the government to prioritise security, justice, economic opportunities, quality education, healthcare, infrastructure and transparent governance.
MPAC also called on the government to protect Nigeria’s sovereignty and reject arrangements that could undermine the country’s self-determination.
The organisation urged citizens to reject indifference, hatred and misinformation while demanding accountability through lawful and democratic means.
It also called on political, religious and community leaders, the media and the private sector to move beyond annual Independence Day celebrations and commit to sustained nation-building.
MPAC urged Muslims across Nigeria to contribute to national development through justice, integrity, compassion, responsibility and peaceful coexistence.
It said Nigeria’s religious, ethnic, linguistic and cultural diversity should be treated as a national asset rather than a source of permanent division.
The organisation said Nigerians could build a shared future by agreeing on fundamental values, including human dignity, justice, security, equal citizenship and the right of every citizen to live a meaningful life.
“The Nigeria of tomorrow will not be built by slogans. It will be built by institutions that work, leaders who are accountable, citizens who are responsible, and a society that refuses to normalise injustice,” the statement said.
MPAC added that independence should be regarded as a responsibility rather than a destination, stressing that Nigeria at 66 required more than congratulations and demanded the commitment of its citizens.
