Keeping Hope Alive @ 65: Nigerians Are Unpatriotic Because of Corrupt Leaders- Ikubese
By Dupson Collins, 1st October, 2025
The Former Presidential Aspirant, Dr Thomas Wilson-Ikubese has stated that, the corrupt leaders at the helm of the country’s affairs are the reasons why Nigerians are unpatriotic.
Ikubese who doubles as the founder of Yeswefit Revolutionary Movement disclosed this on his Facebook page, reflecting on the 65th Independence anniversary of Nigeria
The statement Read:
NIGERIA’S 65th INDEPENDENCE: KEEPING HOPE ALIVE.
Nigeria clocks 65 today after independence, twenty six of which we have experienced uninterrupted democracy.
Yet, there isn’t much we can point to in terms of achievements as a sovereign nation.
Many nations with which we were at par at independence have since gone far ahead, yet we remain perpetually at the level of kindergarten!
Our major challenge is that of leadership.
The people have not been allowed to choose leaders of their choice. Our political leaders have emerged, by means far from ‘free and fair’.
Some have blamed the masses, saying that they are the ones responsible for breeding these bad leaders.
On the surface, it looks like the proverbial chicken and egg, asking for which comes first.
The truth however is that the masses have not seen the reason for which they should be patriotic. How can you be patriotic as a citizens and make sacrifices when your political leaders and busy empty the treasury ?
Who no like better thing?
If however, the masses see that their leaders are selfless and that the commonwealth is meant to work for the people, patriotism will naturally radiate from them.
Herein lies the tragedy of our dear nation, wherein our corrupt leaders are demanding patriotism from their followers.
So, from the top to the bottom, in our public and private enterprises, corruption festers on every rung of our nation life.
While we await the emergence of true patriots, those who see political leadership as a medium for service and not a conduit for the accumulation of illicit wealth, the need to sit down as a people to fashion out a brand new constitution, one which addresses our realities cannot be wished away.
While we wait and hope, I wish us a “happy” independence.
Thomas-Wilson Ikubese
1st October, 2025
