Politics

Nigeria at 59: We failed our country - Governor Ishaku declares

Monday, September 30, 2019 at 9:13 PM by Khadijah Thabit

- Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba state says Nigeria was failed by those who should build it

- Ishaku laments that Nigeria only bears the title 'giant of Africa' without any corresponding evidence

- The governor notes that any improvement on power would have a multiplier effect on the country's fortunes

The governor of Taraba state, Darius Ishaku, on Monday, September 30, lamented the current state of Nigeria and its alleged stunted growth despite being the acclaimed 'giant of Africa'.

The Cable reports that Ishaku, while speaking with journalists in Jalingo, the capital of Taraba state, said despite being 59, Nigeria does not look mature for that age.

“We’ve failed to take Nigeria to enviable position. Yes, we are 59-years-old, but I don’t think we are 59 years mature — it is sweet and ugly,

“It is sweet because we have independence, but ugly because we have not been able to utilise the 59 years to take the country to an enviable position.

Read also

President Buhari departs Abuja to attend UNGA74 in New York

“It’s a shame that Nigeria as a giant of Africa is still lagging behind. I was in Rwanda and I was amazed at their development in the healthcare sector alone," he said.

He noted that Nigeria has remained a 'sitting giant' adding that a lot still needs to be done.

According to him, the country needs its citizens to transform their thinking, work hard in education, health and power, among others.

PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigeria’s #1 news app

“If we can improve on power alone, the multiplier effects will be tremendous," he said while adding that his administration will focus more on education, agriculture and healthcare.

Legit.ng earlier reported the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), on Monday, September 30, commended President Muhammadu Buhari as Nigeria marks its 59th independence anniversary.

While felicitating with citizens on the country’s 59th independence anniversary, the APC, in a statement by Lanre Issa-Onilu, its spokesperson, noted that Nigeria now earns international respect following the way it had been handled by Buhari.