The Coordinator and Director of Pilex Centre for Civic Education Initiative, Rivers State, Courage Nsirimovu, has accused successive Nigerian governments of failing to fulfil the dreams, aspirations and expectations of citizens since independence.
Nsirimovu made the assertion in Port Harcourt while speaking on Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, urging Nigerians and the government to reflect on the country’s journey, achievements, missed opportunities and the kind of nation citizens still aspire to build.
He said Nigeria’s independence on October 1, 1960, created high expectations among citizens, but expressed concern that many of those expectations had yet to be realised.
According to him, Nigeria possesses enormous human and natural resources, but the major challenge has been the failure to adequately transform those resources into security, dignity, prosperity and opportunities for ordinary citizens.
Nsirimovu said the Nigerian dream should include a country where citizens, regardless of their background, can work hard, build a future and live in dignity.
He identified safe and healthy communities, quality education, reliable electricity, good roads and transportation, economic opportunities, environmental protection, credible elections, strong institutions and access to justice as key components of the Nigeria Nigerians deserve.
He particularly expressed concern over environmental degradation in parts of the Niger Delta, saying communities should not continue to bear the consequences of pollution and environmental hazards despite the country’s vast oil and gas resources.
On the reported death of Joy Amos following an explosion at her home in Bille, Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nsirimovu called for a proper scientific investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
He said where wrongdoing was established, appropriate accountability should follow.
Nsirimovu noted that while Nigeria had recorded achievements in different sectors since independence, the anniversary should not be limited to celebration but should also provide an opportunity for accountability, reflection and national renewal.
“After 66 years, are government institutions delivering the security, dignity, justice, infrastructure, education, healthcare, economic opportunity and environmental protection that Nigerians deserve?” he asked.
The Pilex Centre director called for a fresh national conversation and a renewed long-term development vision that would transcend individual administrations.
He said government, civil society organisations, professional bodies, traditional institutions, youths, women, workers, entrepreneurs and communities should participate in developing such a vision.
He identified security and human dignity, education and healthcare, infrastructure, reliable energy, employment, environmental protection, accountable institutions, electoral integrity, the rule of law and transparent governance as areas that should receive priority.
Nsirimovu also called on successive administrations to demonstrate how their policies and budgets contribute to achieving agreed national development priorities.
He urged Nigerians to become more active participants in the democratic process by demanding accountability and transparency from elected officials and public institutions.
He also encouraged citizens to insist on free, fair and credible elections and exercise their constitutional rights to make informed choices at the ballot box.
“Where elected officials fail to meet their constitutional and public responsibilities, citizens have the democratic power to demand accountability and, where applicable, exercise their right to choose different representatives at subsequent elections,” he said.
Nsirimovu further called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the judiciary, security agencies and other institutions of government to remain faithful to their constitutional responsibilities.
He said institutions of state should serve the people and the Constitution rather than becoming instruments for protecting political interests or powerful individuals.
According to him, democracy extends beyond voting, as citizens must continue to ask questions, demand accountability, defend constitutional institutions and insist on transparent electoral processes.
He urged Nigerians to peacefully defend the integrity of their votes through lawful democratic and legal processes.
“The Nigeria of our dreams will not be built by government alone. It requires citizens who demand better, institutions that work, leaders who are accountable and a national vision that places human dignity at the centre of governance,” Nsirimovu said.
He added that Nigeria’s 66th anniversary should mark the beginning of a renewed commitment to building the country that Nigerians have long aspired to have.
