Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, has called on Nigerian leaders and citizens to reflect deeply on the nation’s current state. In a message shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account during the 64th Independence Day celebrations, Obi warned that Nigeria is in urgent need of rescue to prevent further decline.
“Nigeria is abundantly blessed with natural, human, and material resources, yet we have not used these blessings to build a great nation,” Obi said. He emphasized that this Independence Day should be a time for sober reflection, particularly for the country’s leaders. “For me, this should also be a day of reflection for every Nigerian, especially us, the leaders, whose actions and inactions have contributed to the stagnation and glaring failures we are witnessing at present.”
Obi highlighted several challenges facing the country, including economic struggles, social issues, and insecurity. He pointed out that despite Nigeria’s rich resources, the nation has not been able to translate these into meaningful development. “Have we built a productive economy, or have we created a nation with the worst debt profile in its history?” Obi questioned, referring to the nation’s growing debt burden.
One of the most alarming issues, according to Obi, is the high number of out-of-school children. “We have over 18 million children out of school,” he stated, pointing to this as evidence of Nigeria’s failure to secure its future. Additionally, he expressed concern about the poor state of education, widespread poverty, and the nation’s inability to improve the quality of life for its citizens.
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Obi also spoke about Nigeria’s global rankings, particularly in areas like security, corruption, and the rule of law. “We are ranked as one of the most insecure nations globally and among the most corrupt. Our disregard for the rule of law is evident, and this has hindered our progress as a nation,” he said.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s progress since gaining independence, Obi compared the country with other nations that achieved independence around the same time. He noted that while other countries have made significant strides, Nigeria seems to be moving backward. “When we compare ourselves to countries that gained independence before or after us, Nigeria stands out as a nation in decline, urgently in need of rescue from further decay.”
Despite his concerns, Obi remained hopeful for the future. He urged Nigerians to commit to building a better nation, free from the challenges of tribalism, religious disharmony, and corruption. He called for the creation of a “New and Productive Nigeria” that prioritizes the well-being of its citizens.
“We must make a solemn commitment to build a nation that is truly independent of the state capture that has dragged it into failure and kept its people in suffering,” Obi concluded, urging the country to work together for a better future.