Former candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi has urged Nigerians to seek a true independent nation free from state capture and an end to unprecedented hardship and suffering.
Obi in a message on X platform, said the 64th independence celebration provides opportunity for Nigeria to reflect on her past and plan for the future.
“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,” he said.
Obi stated that Nigeria has been “lavishly” endowed by God with everything natural, human, and material to be a great nation, but said an unexamined life is not worth living.
“We must, therefore, examine our lives in the light of our journey as a nation within these last six decades.
“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” he added.
He challenged leaders to asked themselves whether they have pulled people out of poverty or have 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?” Obi further challenged them.
According to him, Nigeria has performed badly in every aspect of development.
“From ranking poorly on safety and peacefulness to being one of the most terrorised 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. Our nation has continued its dangerous dance on the edge of a precipice.
“When compared with some countries who gained independence around the same time as ours, before and after us, Nigeria stands out as a failed nation that must be urgently rescued from further decadence,” he regretted.
The former presidential candidate called on leaders to strive to 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,” Obi stated.
