Comrade Bunu Marks Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary with Mixed Emotions
The President-General of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, has extended his congratulations to Nigerians on the occasion of the country’s 64th Independence Anniversary celebrated on October 1st, 2025. However, he expresses mixed feelings about the current state of the nation since the return to democracy in 1999.
Bunu describes Independence Day as a deeply significant moment in Nigeria’s history—a reminder of the country’s long and often challenging journey as a sovereign nation. He acknowledges that although various administrations have come and gone, often with promises of progress and national renewal, many Nigerians are still burdened by poverty, frustration, and fading hope.
While Nigeria is recognized as a giant of Africa and has enjoyed relative democratic stability since 1999, Bunu believes that the country has not lived up to its full potential. He emphasizes that Nigerians, both at home and abroad, deserve a nation they can be proud of—one that truly reflects the country’s rich resources and potential, not a land where millions suffer in the midst of abundance.
As a seasoned labour leader and former seafarer, Bunu paints a grim picture of the current socio-economic realities: widespread hunger, poverty, unemployment, and general hardship. Despite this, he remains hopeful that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is steering the country in the right direction. He expresses confidence that Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda and ongoing reforms will soon deliver meaningful results for ordinary Nigerians.
He encourages citizens to support and pray for the President, especially amid worsening insecurity marked by banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and attacks on rural communities. Bunu decries the suffering caused by these threats, including displacement, destruction of homes, and the abuse of women and children.
He also called for prayers—by both Christians and Muslims—for Nigeria’s overstretched Armed Forces, whose continued sacrifices are crucial in the fight for national peace and unity.
Addressing the economic challenges, Bunu urges the government to act swiftly in tackling the high cost of living, rising unemployment, and the worsening value of the minimum wage, which he says is now far removed from the reality of everyday life in Nigeria. According to him, the ongoing hardship is taking a toll on citizens’ mental and physical well-being, and immediate social intervention is needed.
Still, Bunu asks Nigerians to remain hopeful and optimistic that a better Nigeria is possible. He believes that the nation is gradually reclaiming its position on the African continent and must not allow current obstacles to derail that progress.
As he congratulates all Nigerians on the anniversary, he reminds them that Nigeria is the only country we have, and that collective effort is required to build a society where prosperity is shared, and unity prevails.
Finally, Bunu took the opportunity to congratulate Comrades Tony Nted and Prince (Dr.) Adewale Adeyanju—both past Presidents-General of the Maritime Workers’ Union and notable labour leaders—who coincidentally share their birthdays with Nigeria’s Flag Day.
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