Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has urged Nigerian youths to demand greater accountability, better governance and more opportunities from elected leaders as the country marks its 66th Independence anniversary.
Saraki, in an Independence Day message on Thursday, said young Nigerians had every right to expect more from the country, particularly in the areas of education, employment, security and opportunities for a better future.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s political journey, the former Kwara State governor said democracy carried a special meaning for those who experienced military rule and witnessed the return to civilian government in 1999.
“For those of us who lived through military rule, our return to democracy in 1999 meant a great deal. Simply being able to choose our leaders felt like a victory. Because it was,” he said.
However, Saraki noted that younger Nigerians had grown up under a different political reality, with many having no experience of military rule.
He said this generation was therefore justified in asking whether democracy was delivering meaningful improvements in their daily lives.
According to him, young Nigerians facing challenges in universities, national service and the job market want to know when the benefits of democracy would become more visible in their lives.
He listed questions around completing education on time, securing jobs, travelling safely and having opportunities to build fulfilling lives without being forced to seek their future abroad.
Saraki said such concerns should not be interpreted as a rejection of Nigeria, arguing that demanding better living conditions could itself be an expression of patriotism.
“These are fair questions. And those of us who have held public office, myself included, owe young Nigerians better answers,” he said.
The former Senate President said young Nigerians could see the country’s enormous talent and potential, but were increasingly questioning why many citizens continued to struggle to achieve basic aspirations.
He urged youths to maintain high expectations of political candidates and make accountability a central part of their engagement with elected officials.
Saraki also advised young Nigerians to remain involved in governance after elections, stressing that civic participation should not end once votes had been cast.
“Let that expectation shape how you vote, the questions you ask, and what you are prepared to accept from those you elect. And when the elections are over, keep paying attention,” he said.
He said the Independence anniversary should provide an opportunity for leaders to reflect on their responsibilities to Nigeria’s younger generation.
Saraki, who served as Senate President from 2015 to 2019, concluded by wishing Nigerians a happy 66th Independence anniversary.
Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960, and marks the anniversary annually with official ceremonies and other activities across the country.
