The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has shared his thoughts on Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day, stating that the country has no cause for celebration.

He expressed that Nigeria, at 64, has not made any significant progress in crucial areas like development, human capital, and governance.

According to the cleric, the nation is still grappling with challenges that should have been resolved long ago.

In a message directed to Nigerians, Primate Ayodele emphasized his disappointment with the state of the nation, stressing that he sees nothing remarkable in the country’s independence anniversary.

He argued that Nigeria has not advanced in vital areas such as leadership and the economy.

He went further to describe Nigeria’s democracy as a failure, noting that the freedom that independence was meant to bring has turned into a form of bondage for the citizens.

According to him, the country’s leadership is leading Nigeria toward a hopeless situation.

The prophet expressed his concerns by stating, “There is nothing extraordinary about Nigeria being 64 years old because the country is not moving forward.

The government has failed to address critical sectors. Human capital development has stalled, and the judiciary is failing the people.

Despite being 64 years into independence, Nigeria still suffers from numerous problems that make it difficult for us to take pride in our nation.”

He pointed out that Nigeria’s democratic system has crumbled, leaving the nation with a democracy filled with suffering, hunger, and oppression.

The citizens, he said, have repeatedly voted for leaders without integrity or conscience, which has worsened the state of affairs.

Primate Ayodele acknowledged the prayers of Nigerians for the country but expressed doubt about any real change happening soon, given the current circumstances.

Turning to the present administration, Primate Ayodele accused the government of lacking direction and being disconnected from the reality of governing.

He highlighted that they seem to be ruling without a sense of responsibility or accountability to the people.

He suggested that the government needs to implement seven key actions to restore hope to Nigerians: provide stable electricity, initiate educational reforms, restructure the country, reform the judiciary, address economic issues, improve security, and completely overhaul the petroleum sector.

He stressed that without these changes, the country would continue on its downward path.

The prophet also criticized the Nigerian government for tolerating mediocrity and retaining officials who have failed to perform their duties.

He expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of critical sectors, particularly the oil industry, and called for the immediate removal of underperforming leaders within these ministries, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Additionally, Primate Ayodele criticized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and its leadership, particularly for their failure to bring influential figures like former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to justice.

He noted that the EFCC appears swift in arresting ordinary citizens for minor infractions while allowing high-profile individuals to evade accountability.

He called for the EFCC chairman’s removal, stating that if drastic measures are not taken, corruption will continue to thrive under the current administration.

The prophet’s critique extended to the national assembly, which he accused of failing in its legislative duties.

According to Primate Ayodele, members of the assembly seem more interested in personal comfort than in making meaningful contributions to national progress.

He urged President Tinubu to focus on improving the welfare of Nigerian workers, stressing that many sectors, including communications, are underperforming.

He remarked that Nigeria, at 64, has nothing to celebrate and should instead reflect on its failures and shortcomings.

He further lamented the state of the nation’s agriculture, noting that despite Nigeria’s fertile land, food insecurity continues to plague the country.

The rising cost of essential goods, such as rice, makes it difficult for ordinary citizens to afford necessities, and according to Primate Ayodele, this is a reflection of poor governance.

He stated that Nigeria’s current situation results from poor leadership choices made over the years, leading to widespread suffering and underachievement.

Primate Ayodele also expressed deep disappointment in the religious sector, particularly among Christian leaders, whom he accused of failing to speak out against the country’s issues.

He criticized pastors for offering empty reassurances rather than confronting the challenges facing Nigerians.

According to him, many religious leaders have been compromised and are more concerned with appearance than addressing the real struggles of their followers.

He called out these leaders for failing to provide the necessary moral guidance, focusing instead on superficial matters.

In conclusion, Primate Ayodele emphasized that Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day should not be a time for celebration but a moment for deep reflection.

He urged the government and all sectors of society to take a hard look at the nation’s problems and work toward meaningful solutions. Without these, he warned, Nigeria would continue to spiral into further hardship and despair.