Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, want Nigerians to strive for genuine independence, free from state capture, calling on government to address the widespread hardship and sufferings affecting Nigerian citizens.
He noted that increased production and self-sufficiency are pathways to national recovery.
Peter Obi who addressed Nigerians as the country celebrates its 64th independence anniversary on his X handle said, “Nigerians on this day, must make a sober commitment to build a nation truly independent from the present state capture that has held it down in failure and has kept the people suffering.
Obi who spoke in a press release signed by Ibrahim Umar, spokesperson of the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) said, “anniversary celebrations, whether of an individual or country, provide opportunities to reflect on memories, celebrate accomplishments, look to the future, and offer gratitude.
“This is exactly what we are doing today as our dear nation marks its independence anniversary, 64 years since our country, Nigeria, took charge of its destiny and began its journey to development as an independent nation,” Obi wrote.
He further said, “It’s a day to appreciate God for lavishly endowing us with everything natural, human, and material to be a great nation.
“For me however, this day should be a day of sober reflection for every Nigerian, especially for us, the leaders, whose actions and inactions have continued to contribute to the retrogression and very visible failure we are all witnessing.
“An unexamined life, they say, is not worth living. We must, therefore, examine our lives in the light of our journey as a nation within these last 6 decades.”
Peter Obi asked Nigerian leaders these questions: “Have we pulled our people out of poverty, or have we thrown more people into poverty? “Have we made education accessible to every Nigerian child, or have we raised an army of over 18 million out-of-school children roaming the streets? “Have we built a productive economy, or have we built a nation with now the worst debt profile in our nation’s history?
He lamented that Nigeria has performed badly on every measure of development, from the critical areas to every aspect.
From ranking poorly on safety and peacefulness to being one of the most terrorized countries in the world. From being ranked among the most highly corrupt countries in the world to being placed among the nations with gross disobedience to the rule of law.
The nation, he said, has continued its dangerous dance on the edge of a precipice.
When compared with some countries, who gained independence around the same time as Nigeria, Obi said the country stands out as a failed nation that must be urgently rescued from further decadence.
He said, “On this day, we must make a sober commitment to build a nation truly independent from the present state capture that has held it down in failure and has kept the people suffering.
“We must build a nation independent from tribal disunity and religious disharmony.
“We must build a New and Productive Nigeria that cares for the well-being of the people. That is the Independence we will celebrate as a nation, and it is possible.”