Presidential Candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to seek a true independent nation free from state capture and end the unprecedented hardship and suffering.
He made the call on Tuesday on his X handle as Nigeria marked its 64th independence anniversary from British colonialism on October 1, 1960.
He said an anniversary celebration, whether for an individual or a country, offer opportunities to reflect on memories, celebrate accomplishments, look toward the future, and express gratitude.
“This is exactly what we are doing today as our dear nation marks its 64th independence anniversary.”
“It is now 64 years since Nigeria took charge of its destiny and embarked on the journey toward development as a sovereign nation. Today is a day to appreciate God for abundantly blessing us with natural, human, and material resources to build a great nation,” he said.
Obi said, however, for him, this should also be a day of sober reflection for every Nigerian, especially for the leaders, whose actions and inactions have contributed to the stagnation and glaring failures we are witnessing at present.
He said, “As the saying goes, an unexamined life is not worth living. We must, therefore, examine ourselves in the light of our nation’s journey over the past six decades. Have we lifted our people out of poverty, or have we driven more into it? Have we made education accessible to every Nigerian child, or have we allowed an army of over 18 million out-of-school children to roam the streets? Have we built a productive economy, or have we created a nation with the worst debt profile in its history?
“By every measure of development, from the critical areas to the smallest aspects, we are underperforming. We rank poorly in security and peacefulness, making us one of the most insecure nations globally.”
Obi said Nigeria is also ranked among the most corrupt countries, and is noted for disregard for the rule of law, thus making the nation to continue its dangerous dance on the edge of a precipice.
“When we compare ourselves to countries that gained independence around the same time—before or after us—Nigeria stands out as a nation in decline, urgently in need of rescue from further decay.
“On this day, therefore, we must make a solemn commitment to build a nation that is truly independent from the state capture that has dragged it into failure and kept its people in suffering.
“We must create a nation free from tribal disunity and religious disharmony. We must build a New and Productive Nigeria that prioritizes the well-being of its citizens,” Obi said.
