Afrobeat star, Seun Kuti, has painted a gruesome picture of poverty rate in Nigeria as she marks its 61st Independence anniversary.
According to the outspoken artiste, the country has degenerated badly in prosperity terms.
In a special message contained in a statement, he said on Friday, “In 1960, the poverty level was at 15 per cent, but today, the poverty level is 50 per cent, thereby making the Giant of Africa the poverty capital of the world. In Fela Anikulapo’s voice, ‘as time de go things just de bad, poor man de cry’. May the Legendary Abami Eda’s soul continue to rest in peace!
“The ongoing voter’s registration exercise is the starting point and all eligible Nigerians must get their voters card as the 2023 election has given us an ample opportunity as a people to collectively unite using the M.O.P as a platform to dislodge dealers called leaders.”
Seun, who is also the convener of a group, Movement of The People, noted that Nigeria had nearlyar collapse as the high level of hunger, insecurity, unemployment and corruption was ‘worrisome’.
He said, “It is fitting to bring you all warm solidarity greetings as we celebrate the 61st anniversary of our dear nation! Even though there is nothing to celebrate, owing to the near-collapse in the state of our dear nation.
“With the worrisome level of hunger, insecurity, high rate of unemployment, and wanton looting, the celebration of today’s anniversary calls for a sober reflection and the need to re-organise ourselves to get involved in the democratic process with the view to set the nation on the road to recovery.”
The Grammy award nominee took the opportunity to urge Nigerians who are of voting age to participate in the voting process in order to make Nigeria great again.
“The decision to get Nigeria working from this moribund and mechanistic level is in our ‘thumbs’ and it is neither in the bombs nor bullets. The Movement of The People has now given every Nigerian of voting age the political platform to chose credible leaders across the 36 States and 774 local government of the federation,” Kuti said.
