Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate for the 2023 elections, has voiced his concerns regarding Nigeria’s deteriorating status compared to other nations that gained independence around the same time.
In a post shared on his official X account on Tuesday, Obi emphasized that it has been 64 years since Nigeria assumed responsibility for its governance and embarked on a developmental journey as an independent nation.
He remarked that Independence Day should serve as a moment for deep introspection for all Nigerians, particularly the leaders, whose decisions and inactions, he believes, have contributed significantly to the nation’s stagnation.
Obi stated, “As the adage goes, an unexamined life is not worth living. We must reflect on our nation’s path over the past sixty years.” He posed critical questions: “Have we succeeded in lifting our citizens out of poverty, or have we pushed more into it? Have we ensured that every Nigerian child has access to education, or do we allow over 18 million children to roam the streets without schooling? Have we cultivated a thriving economy, or is our nation burdened with an unprecedented debt profile?”
The former governor expressed his dissatisfaction with Nigeria’s progress, highlighting that the country has a dismal ranking in terms of security and is recognized as one of the most dangerous places to live globally.
He pointed out, “We are also listed among the most corrupt nations, notorious for our neglect of the rule of law. Our country is precariously balancing on the brink of disaster.”
When comparing Nigeria to other nations that attained independence simultaneously, Obi lamented, “Nigeria stands out as a nation in decline, in desperate need of rescue from further deterioration.”
He urged for a renewed commitment to establishing a nation that genuinely embodies independence, free from ethnic divisions and religious discord.
Obi concluded with a vision for a “New and Productive Nigeria” that prioritizes the welfare of its citizens, stating, “That is the independence we should truly celebrate as a nation with the potential for greatness.”
