The embattled Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has said Nigeria cannot experience genuine transformation without accountable leadership as the country marks its 65th Independence Anniversary.

Naijaonpoint reports that Senator Natasha made this known in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, where she congratulated Nigerians but warned that the nation stood at a crossroads.

Recall that Natasha’s office was recently reopened by the National Assembly leadership.

The office had been under lock and key since March 6, 2025, when the senator was suspended from the Red Chamber. However, it was unsealed recently by the Sergeant-at-Arms of the National Assembly, assisted by security personnel.

In her Independence Day message on Wednesday, the lawmaker described Nigeria as a country battling insecurity, economic hardship, and inequality, yet showing resilience through innovation and creativity.

“The Nigeria our heroes envisioned is not one divided by ethnicity, religion, or politics, but one united by shared values of justice, equity, and prosperity. Building such a Nigeria requires a collective will, a government accountable to its people, a citizenry committed to nation-building, and a leadership rooted in service and integrity,” the Kogi Senator said.

Akpoti-Uduaghan stressed that Independence Day should be more than a ceremonial date. She said it must serve as a sober reminder of the sacrifices made by the country’s founding fathers and mothers.

“Independence Day is more than a date etched in history. It is a reminder of the sacrifices of our founding fathers and mothers… Today, we must honour their memory not with words alone, but by carrying forward their vision of a nation that truly works for all,” she added.

She urged Nigerians to channel the country’s vast potential into tangible progress for future generations, insisting that the collective task was to build a country where no citizen is left behind.

Continuing, the senator said the anniversary was an opportunity to renew the nation’s commitment to justice, equity, and shared prosperity.

“Sixty-five years on, the task before us is clear: to ensure no Nigerian is left behind and to pass on a country worthy of pride. By honouring our past, embracing the present, and marching with hope, we shall bring to life the Nigeria our heroes envisioned,” she stated.

Naijaonpoint reports that the Federal Government had declared Wednesday, October 1, a public holiday to commemorate Nigeria’s independence from Britain in 1960.

However, in a late announcement on Monday, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation revealed that the traditional Independence Day parade would not be held.