The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has called on both leaders and citizens to reflect deeply on the state of the nation, emphasizing that Nigeria is in “urgent need of rescue from further decay.” Highlighting economic, social, and security challenges, Obi made this statement on Tuesday in commemoration of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day.
In a message shared on his X handle, Obi acknowledged the significance of the nation’s independence but stressed that this year’s celebration should prompt sober reflection, particularly among the leadership.
“Today, we must thank God for the natural, human, and material resources with which we are abundantly blessed to build a great nation,” Obi said. However, he noted that despite these resources, Nigeria has struggled to translate them into meaningful progress.
“This day should also serve as a time for sober reflection, especially for us leaders, whose actions and inactions have contributed to the stagnation and obvious failures we face today,” he stated.
Obi expressed concern over Nigeria’s underperformance across key development areas, questioning whether the country has made tangible progress in improving citizens’ lives. He pointed to widespread poverty, a deteriorating education system, and a worsening debt burden as key indicators of the nation’s challenges.
He underscored the fact that over 18 million children are out of school, reflecting the nation’s failure to invest in its future. “Have we built a productive economy, or have we created a nation with the worst debt profile in its history?” he asked.
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Beyond the economy, Obi highlighted the country’s poor rankings in global security, corruption, and adherence to the rule of law. “We are ranked as one of the most insecure and corrupt nations globally. Our disregard for the rule of law is evident, and it has significantly hindered our progress,” Obi lamented.
Drawing comparisons with countries that gained independence around the same time as Nigeria, Obi noted that while many of these nations have progressed, Nigeria appears to be lagging behind. “When we compare ourselves with nations that gained independence before or after us, Nigeria stands out as a country in decline, urgently needing rescue,” he said.
Despite his concerns, Obi shared a hopeful vision for the nation’s future. He called on Nigerians to recommit to building a country free from tribalism, religious intolerance, and corruption. He urged citizens to work towards creating a “New and Productive Nigeria” focused on improving the well-being of its people.
“We must make a solemn commitment to build a nation that is independent of the state capture that has driven it into failure and prolonged the suffering of its people,” Obi urged, calling for unity and concerted effort to rescue the country from further decline.
