Human rights activist Mahdi Shehu has questioned the rationale for celebrating Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, pointing to the contradictions in the country’s handling of insecurity.
According to a report by Daily Post on 2nd October, 2025, he wondered aloud how certain communities, especially those connected to agitators like Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, could find reasons to celebrate in the face of glaring injustices.
Shehu said the reality for Kanu, his supporters, family members, and admirers is one of frustration and disbelief. He noted that they watch daily as heavily armed groups roam freely with weapons such as AK-47s, AK-49s, and even rocket launchers, often in the very presence of security officials.
“Why would Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, his friends, followers,admirers and family members celebrate Nigeria @@65 when they see murderous bandits , criminal gangs, kidnappers and other non state actors, wielding AK 47 , AK 49, rocket launchers in the midst of Security officials, negotiating truce, giving terms and conditions, admitting their heinous crimes etc,” he said.
According to him, the disturbing sight of criminal gangs, kidnappers, and bandits openly negotiating truce agreements with government representatives erodes public faith in the state. He stressed that such developments mock the sacrifices of innocent citizens who continue to suffer violence and displacement.
The activist recalled that these armed groups not only terrorize ordinary Nigerians but are sometimes treated as legitimate stakeholders in discussions about peace. To him, this sends a dangerous signal that crime and violence are being rewarded rather than punished.
Shehu expressed dismay that while law-abiding citizens face daily struggles for survival, armed actors are seen dictating terms and conditions to the same security agencies meant to protect the people. He argued that such double standards deepen the pain of victims across the country.
He also highlighted the irony of celebrating independence when the state appears powerless against non-state actors who admit to heinous crimes yet remain shielded from justice. He noted that for families who have lost loved ones to kidnappings or bandit attacks, independence celebrations carry no meaning.
Shehu insisted that the failure to confront violent groups decisively is a betrayal of Nigerians who still believe in the promise of democracy. He said the image of bandits bargaining in broad daylight undermines both national sovereignty and the credibility of leadership.
He argued that the Nigerian government’s approach to insecurity leaves the impression that citizens’ lives are negotiable, while the dignity of victims is pushed aside in the rush to pacify killers. Such a reality, he said, is not one that inspires national pride at 65 years of independence.
According to him, the question remains: how can ordinary citizens find joy when they are forced to share space with heavily armed criminals who operate with seeming impunity? Shehu suggested that this contradiction alone should have been enough to replace parades with apologies. See, More, Here>>>
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