The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate,Peter Obi on Tuesday urged Nigerians to use the country’s 64th Independence anniversary as a moment of reflection and a call to action for national renewal.
In a statement shared on his X handle, Obi emphasized the importance of both celebrating Nigeria’s achievements and acknowledging the challenges that have hindered its progress.
“Anniversary celebrations, whether for an individual or a country, offer opportunities to reflect on memories, celebrate accomplishments, look toward the future, and express gratitude,” Obi remarked, adding that Nigeria’s independence was a pivotal moment that allowed the nation to take charge of its destiny.
While expressing gratitude for Nigeria’s abundant natural and human resources, Obi also called for a “sober reflection” from the country’s leaders, highlighting their role in the nation’s current state.
“This should also be a day of sober reflection for every Nigerian, especially for us, the leaders, whose actions and inactions have contributed to the stagnation and glaring failures we are witnessing at present,” he stated.
Obi questioned whether the country has improved in key areas of development since gaining independence, noting that Nigeria has not lived up to its potential. He pointed to growing poverty, a significant number of out-of-school children, and a struggling economy with a high debt profile.
“By every measure of development, from the critical areas to the smallest aspects, we are underperforming,” he said, adding that Nigeria ranks poorly in security, peacefulness, and corruption. He warned that the country is at risk of further decline if urgent steps are not taken.
He compared Nigeria’s trajectory with that of other nations that gained independence around the same time, lamenting that “Nigeria stands out as a nation in decline, urgently in need of rescue from further decay.”
Obi concluded by calling for unity and a renewed commitment to building a prosperous and inclusive Nigeria.
“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. That is the independence we should celebrate.”
