As Nigeria celebrates 64 years of independence, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has sounded the alarm over the country’s dire state, urging for immediate action to prevent further deterioration. In a statement posted on his X account on Tuesday, Obi highlighted Nigeria’s mounting economic, social, and security challenges, calling for a renewed commitment to national unity and progress.
“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,” Obi wrote.
The former Anambra State governor expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s underperformance in critical areas of development, questioning whether the nation has made meaningful improvements in the lives of its citizens since gaining independence.
“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,” he added.
Obi underscored the importance of reflecting on both the achievements and challenges of the nation as part of the independence anniversary, emphasizing the need for a forward-looking approach to address Nigeria’s critical issues, including rampant poverty, a broken education system, and an overwhelming debt burden.
He urged Nigerians to focus on creating a unified and corruption-free society. “Our nation continues its dangerous dance on the edge of a precipice. We must create a nation free from tribal disunity and religious disharmony,” Obi said.
The former presidential candidate concluded by calling for the creation of a “New and Productive Nigeria” that prioritizes the well-being of its citizens, asserting that the country’s potential for greatness is still within reach.
“That is the independence we should celebrate—as a nation whose greatness remains possible,” he affirmed.
