Emmanuel Thomas
Contrary to the opinion of some of our foreign detractors, ours is far from being a failed state
September 30, 2015 – The Trade Union Congress(TUC) today enumerated the numerous problems confronting Nigeria as she prepares to mark 55 years of existence but concluded that Nigeria is not a failed state.
President of TUC, Comrade Bobboi Kaigama made the statement in his independent anniversary message to Nigerians.
According to him, basic challenges that Nigeria is currently grappling with include: ethnicity and nepotism; unemployment, poverty and hunger; widespread corruption; non-ideology based politics; insecurity, insurgency and kidnapping; mismanaged economy and free-fall of the Naira; outrageous taxation and electricity billing systems and casualisation of labour among others.
He stated that notwithstanding the myriad of challenges facing the nation, however, Nigerians must not despair.
“ Contrary to the opinion of some of our foreign detractors, ours is far from being a failed state. The advanced democracies equally have their peculiar challenges, yet their citizens have not dismissed their countries or redrawn their maps. The tough times we are passing through are definitely not insurmountable”, the TUC said.
The union noted that the new Buhari-led administration has made “change” its mantra and determined to stamp out corruption and other vices, and has so far spoken and acted in tandem with that commitment.
“We advise the government to remain focused on that path so that we may all soon walk into the bright sunlight the glimmer of which we have seen at the end of the tunnel. We must keep our hope alive because we have a greater future ahead. God helping us, it is time for Nigeria to move forward again”, the TUC said.
