By Aba O. Aba in Abuja
As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, the National Financial Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Hon Akibu Dalhatu has called for a national renewal anchored on truth, accountability and responsible citizenship.
Dalhatu made the call in Abuja on Thursday at the unveiling and launch of Eagle Times Newspaper, where he reflected on Nigeria’s journey since independence and the responsibilities of citizens and institutions in rebuilding the country.
He said Nigeria’s 66th anniversary should provide an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the country’s progress and the challenges that continue to impede national development.
According to him, while individuals may ordinarily retire from active service at certain ages, Nigeria should use its 66th year to “retire” corruption and other practices that have hindered the nation’s development.
“Nigeria should retire from corruption, retire from all the bad practices at this age,” he said.
Dalhatu also lamented what he described as the decline of activism and civic engagement among some pressure groups and student organisations.
He recalled a period when organisations such as the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) were actively involved in national issues and their conventions were frequently held on university campuses.
He argued that civic organisations and pressure groups must recover their sense of responsibility and return to constructive engagement with issues affecting Nigerians.
The ADC chieftain also linked the quality of democracy to the quality of information available to citizens, stressing that the media has an important role to play in sustaining democratic accountability.
He urged journalists to avoid allowing political affiliation, personal relationships or financial considerations to determine their reporting.
Dalhatu said journalists should be able to question politicians and public officials regardless of their political affiliations.
He specifically advocated balanced reporting in political coverage, saying the media should give relevant sides an opportunity to respond to issues.
He expressed hope that Eagle Times, launched on Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, would contribute to strengthening public discourse through responsible and balanced journalism.
Dalhatu further said he would communicate his observations about the newspaper to his political party and principal, while clarifying that his attendance at the launch was in his personal capacity.
