By Valentine Obienyem
The Labour Party’s Presidential Candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has called on Nigerians to seek true independence, free from state capture, and to end the ongoing hardship and suffering.
“On this day, we must make a sober commitment to build a nation truly independent from the state capture that has held it down and kept the people suffering,” Obi said.
In his Independence Day message shared on his X handle on Tuesday, the former Anambra State Governor remarked, “Anniversaries, whether of an individual or a nation, 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 country, Nigeria, marks its 64th independence anniversary and continues its journey towards development as a self-governed nation.”
Obi continued, “It is a day to appreciate God for richly endowing us with natural, human, and material resources to become a great nation.
“However, for me, this day should be one of sober reflection for every Nigerian, especially for us leaders, whose actions and inactions have contributed to the regression and visible failures we are witnessing.
“An unexamined life, they say, is not worth living. We must, therefore, examine our lives in light of our journey as a nation over the last six decades.
“Have we lifted our people out of poverty or plunged more into it? Have we made education accessible to every Nigerian child, or have we allowed over 18 million children to roam the streets out of school? Have we built a productive economy, or have we created a nation now burdened with the worst debt profile in its history?
“In every key area of development, we are performing poorly. From our low rankings on safety and peacefulness, to being one of the most terrorized nations in the world. From being ranked among the most corrupt countries, to grossly disregarding the rule of law. Our nation continues its dangerous dance on the edge of a precipice.
“When compared with countries that gained independence around the same time, Nigeria stands out as a failed state that must be urgently rescued from further decline.
“Today, we must commit ourselves to building a nation free from state capture, tribal disunity, and religious disharmony. We must build a new and productive Nigeria that prioritises the well-being of its people. That is the true independence we will one day celebrate, and it is possible.”
